Lumberjack reduction

Facing a tough conference opponent away from their home court and still without their star middle blocker Erica Jepsen, the Vikings (12-3, 5-0 BSC) bounced back from a game one loss to defeat Northern Arizona (10-3, 2-2 BSC) in Flagstaff, Ariz.

The victory, which was the Vikings’ eighth straight over the Lumberjacks, keeps Portland State atop the Big Sky Conference standings as the midway point in their season approaches.

Filling in nicely for the injured Jepsen was redshirt freshman Tracy Vargas, who led the Vikings with 11 kills. Juniors outside hitters Jennifer Oney and Marija Vojnovic had 10 kills apiece.

After losing the first game 25-22, Portland State strung together three straight victories behind a breakout performance from Vargas, as well as solid defensive play from senior libero Jalen Pendon-Thomas, who had a remarkable 33 digs.

Despite trailing 13-7 in a match-clinching game four, the Vikings went on a 13-2 run to take a commanding 20-15 lead. That deficit proved too much for Northern Arizona to overcome.

The Vikings maintain a one game lead in the conference standings over second place teams Eastern Washington and Northern Colorado. The Vikings head to Greeley, Colo., to face the Bears on Saturday night.