Vikings tame Grizzlies

Despite losing their first game at home all season, the Vikings (17-6, 10-2) beat the Montana Grizzlies (8-14, 4-8) in a four-game match Saturday night. The victory extended their conference home winning streak to a remarkable 22 matches.

Overcoming a slow start and uncharacteristically poor execution, Portland State clinched at least a spot in the Big Sky Conference championship at the end of the season.

Although inconsistent play has epitomized the Grizzlies’ season, their matches against Portland State have produced two of their best performances despite loses. Earlier this year in Missoula, Mont., the Grizzlies pushed the Vikings to the brink in a five-game match, and Saturday’s contest was more of the same.

“It was one of those matches that could have really gone either way,” said sophomore outside hitter Jennifer Oney.

A sluggish start proved too much to overcome for the Vikings in the first game, as they fell behind by as much as 10 points early. The Vikings have now lost the first game of their last four matches.

“They definitely take some risks and do some things a little different than other teams,” said head coach Michael Seemann, referring to Montana. “They were able to make us be real predictable.”

Losing the first game of their last four matches has provided the Vikings with ample opportunity to evaluate their play and make adjustments. Saturday’s contest proved no different, as the Vikings adjusted their rotation to improve energy and execution, leading to an easy game-two win.

“We have got ourselves into a rut sometimes where we play the game not to lose it, instead of playing to win,” Seemann said. “We really need to be more aggressive early on.”

Energy and execution were the keys for both teams, as momentum swung back-and-forth like a pendulum throughout the night and especially during the last two games. But when crucial plays were needed, senior middle blocker Michelle Segun stepped up. Segun, the lone senior and team captain, ended the night with a career-high 19 kills, two aces and three important blocks.

“Michelle really set the tone for us playing aggressive tonight,” said Oney, who had 18 kills.

In addition to winning their two matches this weekend and keeping their stranglehold on second place in the conference, the team was aided by a Sacramento State loss on Thursday night. If the Vikings win their next three matches, their final home game against the Hornets on Nov. 17 should be for the regular-season title.