Revenge in a sweep

The Vikings headed to Cheney, Wash. this weekend sitting in first place and in control of their own fate in the Big Sky Conference playoff picture, but after being swept by Eastern Washington (30-24, 30-25, 30-25) their postseason outlook has become hazy.

The loss snapped the Vikings (20-6, 12-3) five match winning streak, as the team dropped into a second place tie with the Eagles (14-13, 12-3), who won their eighth straight. Both squads face off against conference leader Sacramento State in the next week.

There were few bright spots on Saturday, as the Vikings were held to a season low .064 hitting percentage in the three games. Eastern Washington showed dramatic improvement since the Vikings swept them earlier this season at the Stott Center.

Sophomore outside hitter Jennifer Oney managed 10 kills on 42 attack attempts and senior middle blocker Michelle Segun was held to just eight kills, while the Eagles had three players with double-digit kills.

Despite the loss, the Vikings can still clinch at least a share of the Big Sky regular-season championship with a win against perennial powerhouse Sacramento State in their last home match of the season on Saturday.

In the match against the Hornets, momentum for the conference tournament and bragging rights as the conference’s best squad will be on the line. Segun, the team’s lone senior, will be recognized during senior night festivities.