It was a trip to Montana and much of the same for Portland State volleyball this past weekend, as the Vikings continued their domination of Big Sky Conference opponents, beating both Montana and Montana State.
The two wins vaulted the Vikings (10-4, 4-0) atop the Big Sky and extended their 10-match conference winning streak, dating back to last season.
After a challenging non-conference schedule that included several tournaments, the Vikings have hit their stride in conference play. Strong serving, solid defense and teamwork has been the recipe, as the Vikings have won their last five matches under first-year head coach Michael Seemann.
Strong play from lone senior Michelle Segun has anchored the team thus far. Segun, a middle blocker, showed her experience and skill with double-digit kills in both road games in Montana, giving her more than 10 kills in seven straight games.
Segun’s performance was accompanied by solid showings from junior libero Jacqueline Thomas, and setter Dominique Fradella and outside hitter Marija Vojnovic, both sophomores. With fellow underclassmen sophomore middle blocker Erica Jepsen and freshman middle blocker Christie Hamilton playing significant roles, Portland State displayed the determination of a veteran squad against Montana Thursday night.
The Vikings started quickly, taking the first two games before the Grizzlies evened the score with two games of their own. Despite an unfriendly atmosphere in Missoula, Mont., the Vikings took a pressure-packed fifth game 15-9 to win the match three games to two. But Portland State will need more wins in tough venues to make up for the experience they lack.
“We are really young, and [Missoula] is a really tough place to play,” Seemann said.
Thomas’ solid defensive play set the table for the Vikings’ offensive attack. According to Seemann, Thomas, who had 16 digs against Montana, has taken a greater leadership role thus far this season.
“She has gone a little bit unnoticed, but her play has been great, and she has come up with big plays in big moments,” Seemann said.
The Vikings kept the momentum against Montana State in Bozeman, Mont., sweeping the Bobcats in three games.
“Our serving was great, we were able to put them out of position and remain on the attack during the match,” Seemann said.
Fradella continued her consistent play with 30 assists, and also tallied nine kills. Vojnovic compiled 10 kills and 10 digs, her ninth double-double effort this season. The team has also benefited from sophomore middle blocker Jennifer Oney’s improved play. Oney had seven kills versus the Bobcats.
This week, Portland State returns home to the friendly confines of the Stott Center to square off against Northern Arizona on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Northern Colorado on Saturday at 7 p.m. With a victory Thursday, the Vikings would extend their school-record 17-match winning streak against Big Sky foes at home.
Despite the potential distraction, the team seems to be focused on individual matches and not records. The attitude starts at the top with Seemann and his staff, and trickles down throughout his team.
“We don’t really talk about the record, or streaks, or even statistics very much… I don’t think it’s on the players’ mind,” Seemann said. “We seem to be very comfortable and have played really well at home, hopefully that will continue.”
Fradella, as the setter, seems to take on the role as the Vikings’ on-court coach and a team leader. She echoed Seemann’s thoughts on preparation.
“The conference is very good, and we just try to take one game at a time.”