By Malika Andrews |
They made it look easy. The Pilots recorded 22 team blocks in their sweep of No. 23 San Diego. This was the first time the Pilots have beat USD since 1991 and is the first time in school history Portland has beat a ranked opponent. Junior Djurdjina Milovic recorded 38 assists in the match, putting her at 1,035 in the season.
“I am so proud of us,” Milovic said. “I don’t want to say that I didn’t expect this win, but we played really well and the scoreboard showed that.”
The Pilots capitalized on a side-out to score first. Freshman Micaela Nocetti took over serving, leading Portland to score three consecutive points and put the Pilots up 4-0. UP was able to take a 10-3 lead, highlighted by service aces by Nocetti and junior Monica Gajda, before San Diego called a timeout.
The Torreros cut Portland’s lead to two at 14-12 off a kill by Lisa Kramer, and closed the gap again at 21-19 and 23-21. San Diego was able to fend off a set point thanks to a kill from Lauren Schad, but the Pilots went on to win the set 25-22.
Portland and San Diego stayed neck and neck to start the second set, tying at every point up to seven. Liger’s service ace gave the Pilots a two-point lead but San Diego battled right back to tie the set at nine. Portland took another two-point lead before the Torreros tied things up again at 11.
Portland was able to take a five-point lead before the Torreros called a timeout. “The Man” by Aloe Blacc played during the timeout. It was fitting, as the Pilots showed everyone they were, in fact, the man, taking the set 25-20 to give them a 2-0 lead in the match at the break.
Milovic served back-to-back aces to put the Pilots up 8-4 in the third set. San Diego answered with a 4-1 run to cut Portland’s lead to one at 9-8. The Pilots led the set until the Torreros were able to tie the set at 21. Portland used up their last timeout at 24-22. Liger’s 17th kill of the afternoon sealed the 25-22 set win for Portland, and completed the sweep.
“We aren’t out to beat any records, we are out to play the best volleyball we can play,” assistant coach Dan Matthews said. “And right now we are doing that.”
The Pilots hit the road next weekend to take on Pacific and St. Mary’s.
