University of Oregon
USC
Late Set Woes Continue against USC
11/12/15 | Women's Volleyball
LOS ANGELES ? The Oregon volleyball team fell in three sets to No. 2 USC 25-17, 26-24, 25-21, Wednesday.
How it Happened: Although the Ducks showed once again they could hang with an elite team, timely runs gave USC an edge in closing out the second and third sets.
After Oregon struggled in the attack in the first set, it came alive in the second set both offensively and defensively, hitting .290 and committing only three attack errors. The defensive effort, led by Kacey Nady, accounted for four blocks in the frame, including one at an opportune time to give Oregon set point at 24-23. The Trojans, however, responded with three straight points, one of which was a backbreaking rally to put them up 25-24 before finishing the frame with an ace.
The Ducks carried a 19-17 lead deep into the third set before USC ended on an 8-2 run to finish the match.
Taylor Agost led the team with 11 kills while hitting .381 continuing her elevated performance since switching to the 6-2 system and playing on the right side hitting over .300 in four of those five matches. Oregon also received production out of the middle with Sumeet Gill and Kacey Nady combining for 12 kills and hitting .429.
What it Means: The Ducks are back to an even .500 record at 12-12 (6-9 Pac-12) and will need to win three of their last five matches to remain eligible for the NCAA Tournament. With three ranked teams on horizon, Oregon will need at least one upset of UCLA, Washington or Arizona State to enhance their record.
Notes and Numbers: Kacey Nady led the team with five blocks while setting a career high of eight digs...Taylor Agost led the team in kills for the first time since Sept. 4 against Florida.
What's Next: Oregon will be back in action?Thursday night when they face another top-10 team in No. 9 UCLA at Pauley Pavilion at 8 p.m. The match will air live on the Pac-12 Networks.
