The Oregon volleyball team (1-0) didn’t know outside hitter Frankie Shebby wasn’t going to be able to start until just prior to their season opener against Ohio State (0-1).
That didn’t end up phasing them at all. The Ducks not only won their first game of the year, but they did it in straight sets.
“I thought we distributed the ball pretty well,” Coach Jim Moore said. “It was a very good match considering we lose Frankie (Shebby) and they had zero seconds of practice, so that’s pretty special they were able to come through and do that.”
The Ducks came firing out of the gates. Getting ahead 6-0 in the first set, the Ducks set the tone and appeared to have found their rhythm right away. However, the visiting Buckeyes recovered later on in the set and forced the Ducks to earn every point. The Ducks eventually took set one 25-22.
After taking a 1-0 set lead, the Ducks carried over their momentum and took set two with ease. In the middle of the set, the Ducks went on a 7-0 run to take a 17-7 lead. They went on to win the set 25-12.
With a 2-0 set lead heading into the third, the Ducks continued to pour it on both offensively and defensively. Junior outside hitter Martenne Bettendorf recorded five points in the set and led the Ducks to a straight set victory. She finished with a team-high 12 kills.
“We’re all really ready because all we’ve been doing is scrimmaging each other,” Bettendorf said. “It definitely felt like it was go time. I loved the energy, I loved how everyone was genuinely excited to see another person do well.”
Despite a late game rally by the Buckeyes, the Ducks closed them out 25-16 in the third to take the set and game.
For Oregon, this game was about integration. With the departure of Ariana Williams, Lauren Plum and Haley Jacobs, the Ducks are expecting a transition period, but that doesn’t mean their newcomers aren’t already making the adjustment.
“They’re pretty good,” Moore said. “They still have to develop, they still have to do a lot of things. I’m very excited with the direction we are going.”
Freshman setter Maggie Scott totaled 18 assists, while Serena Warner and Kacy Nady combined for 12 of Oregon’s kills. The three may not necessarily be new to the roster, but their contributions already appear to be prevalent on this new Oregon roster.
“She’s (Maggie Scott) pretty special,” Moore said. “That kid is going to be really good.”
The Ducks are excited about their potential.
Oregon will continue hosting the Oregon Invitational with two more games tomorrow. Their first game at 9 a.m. will be against Central Arkansas and the second will be against Illinois State at 3 p.m.
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @Haydaykim