Perfection is something the Vikings are becoming accustomed to lately. On a seven-match winning streak following Portland State’s three-game sweep (30-21, 30-28, 30-23) of Northern Arizona at the Stott Center Thursday night, the Vikings had yet to be defeated by a Big Sky opponent this season.
The Vikings (11-4, 5-0) have discovered a simple formula for success. When focusing on the basics of volleyball-passing and serving-Portland State has been nearly unstoppable thus far. With the victory over the Lumberjacks (6-8, 1-3), the Vikings have notched their eighteenth straight home win against conference foes.
The dynamic duo of setter Dominique Fradella and outside hitter Marija Vojnovic, both sophomores, led the way for Portland State as they remain tied for first place atop the Big Sky Conference.
During the closing moments of game three, the crowd cheered loudly as it was announced that Fradella had moved into seventh place on the Portland State’s all-time assist list. The setter now has over 2,100 assists in her career, an amazing feat considering she is in only her second year as a Viking.
Whenever the Vikings were in need of a momentum swing or critical point, the team leaned on Vojnovic. And time after time, the young outside hitter delivered with a key kill, leading the team with 20 kills and an added 10 digs.
Senior middle blocker Michelle Segun, who had 11 kills and six digs, freshman middle blocker Christie Hamilton and junior defensive specialist Jalen Pendon were also key performers. Pendon was especially vital to the Vikings’ success, as she served five consecutive points in the second game after Portland State trailed 28-25.
“The Lumberjacks couldn’t capitalize on the Vikings’ errors during the second game,” said Vikings head coach Michael Seemann. “We were really tight on defense during [game two]. We kept them in the game more than they belonged. It was probably nerves that contributed to us being tight on defense.”
In the third game, the Vikings seemed to execute their style of play perfectly, displaying timely serving and passing.
“When we focus on serving and passing well, we get them out of their system, and out of position. Everything else comes after that,” Segun said.
Cheered on by an abnormally large student section all match long, the players were grateful for the crowd’s support.
“We have a lot of pride in our school, and in the people that come and cheer,” Segun said.