University of Oregon
Colorado
Ducks Edged by Buffs in Five
10/03/15 | Women's Volleyball
EUGENE, Ore. – After going up two sets to none, the Oregon volleyball team dropped a thrilling match against Colorado, 20-25, 22-25, 27-25, 25-23, 15-12, in Friday's home opener at Matthew Knight Arena.
How It Happened: Oregon (7-5, 1-2 Pac-12) won the first set 25-20, riding the hot hand of Pac-12 Freshman of the Week Lindsey Vander Weide who tallied seven kills in the frame and finished the night with a team high 19. The five point margin of victory was the largest of the match as the two teams finished the next four sets within three points of each other.
The Ducks were forced to come from behind in the second, trailing 19-16 before a 9-3 run ended it 25-22. Sophomore Taylor Agost was active down the stretch, tallying four kills during the Ducks' rally, on her way to a career high 17.
Colorado was able to reverse their fortunes as well as the tight score lines during the final three sets. After recording only four blocks during the first two sets, the Buffs defense came alive with 14 blocks in the final three sets against a versatile Oregon attack. Both the third and fourth sets were decided by the team which could find two consecutive points at 24-24 in the third and 23-23 in the fourth.
What It Means: The Ducks are now 1-2 in conference play, with Utah coming to town tomorrow before Oregon returns to the road for a four-match swing. Every match in conference play is an important one, but Oregon will be looking to bounce back in front of a home crowd before heading to the Bay Area and Washington.
While it will be a quick turnaround for the Ducks, it will be equally tough for the Utes who also went to five sets before falling to Oregon State Friday night.
Notes and Numbers: Oregon finished with four players to earn double-digit kills for the second time this season...conference digs leader Amanda Benson kept on pace with 25 digs
From Coach Moore:
On losing a 3-2 match...
"It is really disappointing. When you have the lead, you have to step up and put the ball on the floor and at crunch time to do what you are supposed to, to do what you have done. We just get really, really anxious."
On the balance within the team...
"The balance is great, we have four people with double digit kills and three right around there. But it is disappointing. We have chances and we do not execute them."
What's Next: Oregon will face Utah, Sunday at 5 p.m. in a match which was originally scheduled for 7 p.m. The match will be streamed on goducks.com/live.
