Oregon Upsets #20 Hawaii in Five Sets
The Ducks (5-0) started by rolling though the first two sets against the host school, seemingly in complete control.
(HONOLULU) — In the face of adversity, the No. 22 Oregon volleyball team rallied to win a thrilling five set upset against No. 20 Hawaii 25-18, 25-14, 19-25, 18-25, 15-8.
How It Happened:
The Ducks (5-0) started by rolling though the first two sets against the host school, seemingly in complete control. The Ducks were efficient from the start of the match and stepped on the gas halfway through the first set, finishing on an 8-3.
In the second set, the Ducks picked up where they left off and jumped all over the Rainbow Wahine (3-2) with an 11-3 lead. Senior Liz Brenner was a big part of that early momentum, contributing three consecutive points with a kill followed by back-to-back service aces.
But just as Oregon appeared they would put the match on ice, Hawaii roared back by replicating the Ducks’ effort from the first two sets. The Rainbow Wahine sprinted in front of the third and fourth sets, winning both to even the match at 2-2.
It marked the second five-set match of this early season for Oregon. After a 3-2 win against Illinois State in the Oregon Invitational championship, the young Oregon team already had experience in a pressure-packed deciding set. The improved block of the 2014 Duck squad was on display again, this time during clutch moments as Frankie Shebby and Kacey Nady combined for back-to-back blocks to take a 9-5 lead while consecutive blocks also ended the match, securing the final two points and a 15-8 set win.
What It Means:
Oregon’s offensive diversity has seen a stark contrast from a year ago. Liz Brenner served as the 2013 Pac-12 kills leader and ranked ninth in the nation in kills per set while hitting in high volume, but has been relieved of the attacking pressure this season thanks to play of Oregon’s front line. But in a tight match against a ranked opponent, Brenner was able to take on more of the load to lead the Ducks to victory. The two-time All-American finished with her fourth double-double in five matches, tallying 18 kills and 11 digs while hitting .342.
It was noted before the season by head coach Jim Moore that the Ducks would need to add more options to their attack, but knowing a player like Brenner is willing and ready to step up in the bright lights is a nice comfort to have.
Notes and Numbers:
Amanda Benson led the team with 13 digs while also contributing two of Oregon’s six service aces. Middle blockers Serena Warner and Kacey Nady led the team with seven total blocks apiece. Shellsy Ashen and Maggie Scott continue to split the assist total evenly as Ashen tallied 29 assists with Scott close behind at 27.
Up Next:
Oregon will face New Mexico in the finale of the tournament, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. PT. New Mexico entered the tournament receiving votes in the AVCA poll but is 0-2 over the weekend.
Source: goducks.com
