CORVALLIS, Ore. ? The University of Oregon Volleyball team began the week with optimism, hoping to break through with its first Pac-10 win of the season against the unranked Oregon State Beavers. OSU quashed those hopes, earning a 3-0 sweep Friday at Gill Coliseum.
The Ducks (10-8, 0-7 Pac-10) put themselves in an early hole, dropping Game 1 by a 30-16 count. Oregon State (6-7, 2-5) took the second frame, 30-24, and held off a strong Oregon attack in the deciding game, squeaking by with a 31-29 win.
Freshman Mira Djuric had match highs of 14 kills and 16.5 points, and senior Kelly Russell added nine kills for the Ducks.
OSU held the edge in hitting percentage, .263 to .115, and had 12 total blocks to six for Oregon.
Karah Rhoades paced the Beavers with 12 kills and a .290 hitting percentage (12-3-31).
Oregon will have a chance at redemption when the two sides next meet on Nov. 10, at McArthur Court.
The Ducks return home to face the Washington schools next week at Mac Court. UO hosts the Huskies on Friday, Oct. 21, followed by the Cougars on Saturday. Both contests begin at 7 p.m.
