Eugene, Ore. – The Bushnell Beacons overcame a sluggish start to defeat Oregon Tech on Tuesday night, winning 3-1 to further advance in the Cascade Collegiate Conference tournament quarterfinals.
The Beacons dropped the opening set 25-16 before responding with 25-20, 26-24, and 25-20 wins to secure the postseason victory and extend their playoff hopes.
The Beacons found their footing early in the second set, turning the match around as they found a rhythm. Taya Blankenship, who had 16 kills and 13 digs, noted that the team focused on maintaining control following their loss in the first set.
“He always says drive the car so we have control and don't let up,” Blankenship said of head coach Berwin. “We dug ourselves a big hole, but we got out of it.”
The beacons maintained their momentum in a highly contested third set. With the score tied at 24-24, Amyah Semau recorded a kill to give Bushnell the lead, followed by a combined block from Carly Hanna and Teagan Dixon to secure the set 26-24.
Blankenship attributed the team's preparation and familiarity with Oregon Tech as key factors in the comeback.
“We worked really hard on our scouting report, and that was the big game changer for sure,” Blankenship said.
Bushnell extended its advantage in the fourth set, securing a 25-20 win to conclude the match. Semau recorded 10 kills and 12 digs, while Dixon contributed seven error-free kills. Emma Fa’alogo provided 24 assists, and Chloe Farr led the team with 17 digs.
Defensively, Soleil Sands had a significant impact, finishing with seven blocks as Bushnell totaled 18 blocks in the match.
Blankenship stated that the victory provides the team with heightened confidence as they progress further into the conference tournament.
“I think that this game just gives us hope,” Blaneship said. “We're so capable.”
When asked what the Beacons could work on as they advance in the tournament, Blankenship emphasized team composure as a key to success. Stating, “We are a very emotional team, and I think if we're able to get in control of that, it'll be unstoppable.”
Bushnell and Oregon Tech split their regular-season meetings as they both won on their respective home courts. The postseason matchup on Tuesday provided the Beacons with the decisive victory, advancing them to the CCC tournament quarterfinals.
Bushnell is scheduled to face No.3 seed Corban on Thursday, November 12, at 2 pm.