Karl Kuchs/VANGUARD STAFF
PSU’s volleyball team is dominating in Big Sky play. They are currently 8-0 in conference.
Vikings volleyball take its talents on the road this weekend as they face the Idaho State Bengals and the Weber State Wildcats.
The Vikings, 8-0 in conference, have made a serious showing for themselves in recent play. They have held the honor of Big Sky player of the week for the last three weeks, adding junior setter Garyn Schlatter to the list last week. The team hopes to take their momentum, strong serving and solid game to the number-two-ranked Bengals and the 1-7 Wildcats.
Last weekend the Vikings found their sweet spot on their home floor, winning by sweeps against both the University of Northern Colorado and the University of North Dakota. They found solace in hitting percentages and serving, outhitting both of the weekend’s opponents and serving more aces in both matches.
Even when the opponents made late comebacks, the Vikings were able to stay in system and play a point-by-point set to complete the sweeps.
Head coach Michael Seemann said that their goal is “keeping our foot on the gas pedal.”
The Viks have a deep roster and are led by Schlatter at setter and junior Jaklyn Wheeler, senior Megan Ellis and junior Aubrey Mitchell at outside hitter. The serving success has come largely at the hands of sophomore libero Kasi Clark and junior outside hitter Kaeli Patton.
The Vikings’ first opponents this weekend, the Bengals, have seen similar recent success and have yet to lose on their home court. Last weekend the team beat the University of California, Sacramento, and swept Weber State. The Bengals offense is led by sophomore Tressa Lyman and senior Breanne Van Every, but it doesn’t stop with these outside hitters. The Bengals boast four players with double-doubles in their match against Sacramento.
Saturday’s opponent, Weber State, has struggled to find success in the Big Sky this season. The team’s sole conference win was against Montana—a team that also sits at 1-7 in conference. They are coming into Saturday off a three-match losing streak, though they will face last-ranked Eastern Washington University on Friday prior to the match against the Vikings.
The Wildcats saw success early on in their latest match against Sacramento. They won the opening two sets before the Hornets pulled ahead to a 3-1 match victory. The Wildcats are led by red shirt freshman Rebecca Fuchs, who grabbed her fourth double-double of the season against the Hornets.
With two vastly different opponents on the horizon, the Vikings will need to continue to play their game as they head from the comfort of home.
Wheeler said the goal for the weekend is simple: “We just need to keep the momentum with us. That’s all we have to focus on.”
Both matches are slated for 6 p.m. Live stats can be found on goviks.com.