Traveling down to California for the Fresno State Classic was exactly what Oregon volleyball needed heading into Pac-12 play.
After suffering defeats to nationally ranked teams Michigan and Michigan State last weekend, the Ducks responded with four straight victories, including a first-place finish at the Fresno State Classic this past weekend.
Oregon dominated the competition in Cal State Bakersfield, Belmont and Fresno State, never losing a set all weekend.
Senior middle blocker Ariana Williams led Oregon to victory in all the matches, leading the Ducks with 33 kills in the three matches en route to being named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
Senior setter Lauren Plum also had a career weekend for the Ducks, totaling 12 blocks in the tournament, including a career-high seven in Oregon’s game against Belmont. She also notched assists totals of 36, 36 and 32 in the three matches and was named to the all-torunament team also.
Oregon defeated Belmont 25-12, 25-20, and 25-15 in its three games. The Ducks were leading Belmont 11-10 in the first set before a 10-0 run put them ahead 21-10 that led them to victory. The second set was a little different for Oregon as it never trailed in the game and slowly pulled away for the win. The third set was very reminiscent of the first with Oregon leading 9-8 before a 6-0 run put Oregon up 15-8, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Junior Liz Brenner and sophomore Martenne Bettendorf added eight kills apiece while Brenner contributed eight digs.
In the last game of the tournament, the Ducks easily defeated Fresno State in straight sets by scores of 25-21, 25-17, and 25-14.
The first set saw Fresno State come out strong and to take a 7-1 lead. Oregon slowly climbed back after that, tying the Bulldogs five times, the final coming at 18-18 before a 7-3 run gave the Ducks the win.
Set two got interesting for both teams when Fresno State used a 4-0 run to cut the deficit to 17-14. Just like the Ducks did all tournament, they responded to an opponent’s run with a run of their own, this time going on an 8-3 run to close the game.
In the third and final, Oregon had a 10-0 run after leading 7-5 in the beginning. With that run, Oregon was able to cruise to victory and a championship in the tournament.
Brenner led Oregon with 13 kills while adding eight digs. Freshman libero Amanda Benson recorded her second straight game of 15 digs to help the Ducks on the defensive side.
The Ducks have an 11-day break before returning to competition Wednesday, September 25 when they travel to Corvallis to take on the Oregon State Beavers at 7:30 p.m. It’ll be the conference opener for both teams.