Simply put, over the last two weeks the Vikings did not play like themselves. During that time span Portland State stumbled, losing their last two matches to Eastern Washington and Sacramento State. Those defeats came by way of uncharacteristically shaking play from the normally solid Vikings defense and inconsistent play from the offense.
Rebound and advance
Simply put, over the last two weeks the Vikings did not play like themselves.
During that time span Portland State stumbled, losing their last two matches to Eastern Washington and Sacramento State. Those defeats came by way of uncharacteristically shaking play from the normally solid Vikings defense and inconsistent play from the offense.
The result was an unsteady team heading into the Big Sky Championships.
But nearly all of those doubts were erased on Friday when the Vikings toppled Northern Colorado in three sets, 25-21, 25-19, 26-24.
The victory advances the Vikings (18-10, 11-6 BSC) to the championship game where they will face Eastern Washington on Saturday night, and ended Northern Colorado’s (17-11, 10-7 BSC) season in the process.
If unsteady play was Portland State’s demise in their last two matches, then a balanced offensive attack and aggressive defense were the main reasons the Vikings earned the victory and will get another shot at the Eagles with a trip to the NCAA Tournament on the line.
The junior outside hitter tandem of Marija Vojnovic and Jennifer Oney combined for 21 kills but they were just two of five Portland State players who had at least five kills on the night. The Vikings also improved their offensive efficiency from the last two games, and hit for a .254 percentage.
The Vikings kept Northern Colorado from establishing any sort of offensive rhythm. Sophomore Tracy Vargas got the start at middle blocker and led the team with five blocks.
“Tracy gives us a very aggressive force in the middle. She plays really big and she had a great game tonight getting her hands on a lot of balls,” said head coach Michael Seemann.
Junior middle Erica Jepsen, senior libero Jalen Pendon-Thomas and Vojnovic also had solid defensive performances with Jepsen registering four blocks and Vojnovic and Pendon-Thomas combining for 20 digs.
“The last two weeks have been pretty tough for us, just not playing well as a team and individually,” Seemann said. “But we obviously knew what we had to do here tonight, so to get the win is a big exhale for us.”
The sweep was not without its share of dramatic moments. After maintaining a steady lead over the Bears for the entire match, the Vikings led the third and what appeared to be, final set 21-15 before Northern Colorado went on a 9-1 scoring run to take a 24-22 lead.
But a service ace by junior setter Nique Fradella turned the momentum and Portland State will play in their second consecutive Big Sky Championship match.
“We are excited for the opportunity to play again,” Seemann said. “Without taking anything away from them, we underachieved both times we played them this season.”
Seemann said the Eagles will likely continue to rely heavily on junior outside hitter Hayley Hills, who was named the Big Sky Conference Most Valuable Player of the year earlier this week.
“They are a great team and we are looking forward to the challenge,” Seemann said.
