Volleyball team falls to Eagles 3-1

Despite a winning effort, the Portland State volleyball team lost to Eastern Washinton 3-1 Friday night, 27-30, 30-21, 30-20, and 30-27.

The Vikings jumped out to an early lead over Eastern Washington in game one of the four-game match. Portland State led the entire game and was able to come away with the win 30-27.

However, game two belonged solely to the Eagles. Eastern Washington was able to capitalize on some mistakes made by Portland State and pulled out the win 30-21.

With the match all tied at one game apiece, the 6-3 Eagles looked to make their comeback over the 1-8 Vikings.

Game three went to Eastern Washington with a score of 30-20. This was thanks to some trick sets and kills that caught the Portland State defense off guard.

Game four looked to belong to the Eagles again, but Portland State made a late run in the game to pull themselves within a few points of the win. However, Eastern Washington���s offense decided the game and the match with a score of 30-27.

It wasn���t a total loss for the Vikings, however. Richell Wilson got into the Portland State record books by recording 24 kills; the sixth most kills ever scored in a four-game match by a Viking.

Kristina Thom and Katie Young had eight and six kills respectively. Nicole Geils was only able to throw down two kills, but had an impressive .667 hitting percentage on the night.

Stephanie Lavigne had a big night with 39 assists and 14 digs. Also helping out in the defense department were teammates Thom, Young, Stacy Ball, Wilson and Kristin Ratzlaff with 16, 14, 13, eight and seven digs respectively.

Portland State also looked good from the service line. Young, Lavigne and Wilson had four, three and two service aces respectively, compared to only three total for the Eagles.

Offensively the Eagles were led by Robyn Felder with 13 kills and a .324 hit percentage. On the defensive end, Lindsay Crandal provided the spark the Eagles needed with 24 digs on the night.

Despite the last minute effort from the Vikings, the squad came away from Friday���s loss at 1-9 in the Big Sky division and 4-11 overall.

Because of last weekend���s two losses, the Vikings are currently out of the playoff race, but are looking to add one more win to their record as they face cross-town rival University of Portland at the Chiles Center on Tuesday.