Crown bearers

A boisterous Stott Center crowd erupted as soon as head referee Daphne Nelson raised her hands to signal out of bounds, spilling onto the floor to celebrate the Vikings’ first ever Big Sky Conference regular-season title with the volleyball players, parents and teary-eyed coaches Saturday night.

Marking the end of the fourth game and match, the call gave Portland State (20-7, 13-3) a crucial win over arch rival Sacramento State (26-7, 13-3), ending a decade of domination by the Hornets, winners of the conference crown 10 straight years.

With the four-game victory (25-30, 30-27, 30-27, 30-28), Portland State earned the No. 1 seed in the Big Sky Conference Tournament, which begins in Sacramento Friday, and earned the right to host the conference tournament at the conclusion of next season.

“I can’t describe the feelings that were going through my head. I felt like I was melting,” said head coach Michael Seemann. “This is the most amazing experience. I am so proud and happy for our players and our school.”

The victory capped a remarkable season for a young Vikings squad that was expected to finish in the middle of the pack in the Big Sky. With a conference title now in hand, Portland State could propel itself into the upper echelon of the Big Sky Conference for years to come following second-place finishes the last two seasons.

“This is really a testament to these players, who have laid a foundation for next year and future years,” said athletic director Torre Chisholm.

Prior to the match, middle blocker Michelle Segun was honored as the lone senior on the squad. Segun was playing in her last home game, and responded to the tribute by leading the Vikings with seven total blocks and 15 kills, including the last two kills of the match.

Segun was one of five Viking players with double-digit kills, as the individual pieces of the team meshed perfectly together in the most electric sporting event the Stott Center has seen all season.

“Tonight all the individual parts just fit together and everybody did their jobs so well,” Segun said.

After struggling early in the match and falling behind by as much as 10 points in game one, the Viking defense slowed the potent Hornet offense. Despite Sacramento State senior outside hitter Missie Stidham’s remarkable 34 kills on 87 attempts, the Viking defense toughened each game, holding the Hornets’ hitting percentage average below .200 the last three games.

Junior libero Jackie Thomas accumulated 28 digs, while sophomore outside hitter Marija Vojnovic had 23 digs in addition to her 13 kills. Junior defensive specialist Jalen Pendon amassed a season-high 20 digs.

“I will take this victory any day because everyone contributed, and we really battled through after that first game. This team really showed their character tonight,” said Seemann, who became the first Portland State coach since Cathy Nelson in 1994 to win a conference title.

The Vikings know that they have much to prepare for before the conference tournament. If the team comes out of the six-team tournament on top, they will earn the school’s first ever NCAA Volleyball Tournament berth.

“We still have many things to improve on, and it is difficult because we don’t necessarily know who we are going to play,” Seemann said.

The victory also increased the Vikings home win streak to 23-straight games, securing an undefeated home season for a Portland State squad that was 0-25 just seven years ago.

“I am so proud to be a part of the team, and this victory really shows that all of our hard work and teamwork pays off,” Segun said. “What a great thing to be a part of.”

Primetime performers Vs. Sacramento State

Michelle SegunSenior Middle blocker 15 kills 1 service ace 8 digs 7 blocks

Dominique FradellaSophomore Setter10 kills56 assists10 digs.667 hitting percentage