EUGENE, OR - Simply put, Oregon volleyball has been on a rampage. Coming into today’s matchup, they have been on a six-game winning streak, including a thrilling five-set win over 18th-ranked Indiana on Friday. They were determined to make it seven. Facing Big 10 conference opponent Rutgers, who headed into the game on four straight 3-1 set losses, the Ducks knew that if they stayed true to their style of play, a win would certainly be in the cards.
What does that style of play look like? What would it take to win? Allowing senior Valentina Vaulet (who is currently second among active D1 players with 181 career aces) to continue to serve freely. Getting Sjakkie Donkers and Alanah Clemente heavily involved in plays, as they both average over 3 kills per set. And last, standing tall defensively. Dalia Virlan led the team with 8 blocks in the previous outing, and they will certainly look to her and the rest of the front line to repeat that performance.
Oregon ultimately ended up on top, winning the game 3-1. For the Ducks, it meant that their perfect record in October would remain intact with their seventh straight victory. And for the Scarlet Knights, it would unfortunately be their fifth straight loss in the same fashion.
Set one started off strong for the Ducks behind Donkers’ six kills and Clemente’s five - Oregon’s offense was firing out of the gate. Coming down to simple execution and quick decision-making, their defense also stayed strong as they only let up 13 points to the visitors. A relatively easy first-set victory.
While momentum swayed in favor of the home team, Rutgers came out guns blazing in the second set. They were able to match Oregon’s intensity and no longer felt a step behind on every play. There were too many errors committed by the Ducks in this set both from services and poor attacks, specifically by Valentina Vaulet, who had one of her poorer performances as a resident of Eugene. Both teams battled as the game continued to go back and forth. It took Rutgers squeezing out 32 points to get past the Ducks in this round to tie up the game at one set apiece.
As expected though, that would be all she wrote for the red and white as Oregon dominated sets three and four, winning 25-18 and 25-12. Rutgers couldn’t keep up with the hosts' pace, physicality, and energy from the fabulous MKA crowd.
“I think we have an incredible group of people that wanna work really hard and wanna win,” head coach Trent Kersten said postgame. “Last year…we knew we left something on the table…it really fueled us; our team continues to show up, and we’re trying to get better. What more could you ask for as a coach?”
Coach Kersten also emphasized how crucial the team's mentality is heading into games and how it has helped them overcome big obstacles.
“We always have a mindset of we’re ready to go five if we need that from ourselves. And I think that's shown up…this year.”
Along with the usual star players, Marlee Arrington had another strong outing for the Ducks, posting four kills, five total attacks, and two block assists. She played multiple positions but mainly was the outside role in today's game, one she’s never done before outside of practice.
“I think I just tell myself that no matter what, I’m ok. This isn’t anything I don’t normally do in practice, isn't anything I do every single day, so just going out there and being me and trusting god, that’s it.”
Arrington also stressed how well connected the team is and how it has led to even greater success.
“This team - we love each other. On the court, off the court, we’re together…I think it's the most cohesive team I’ve ever been a part of. Just as human beings first, we just love each other. Every single game, no matter what, we have each other’s backs.”
Oregon Volleyball will return to Matthew Knight Arena five more times in the regular season as they host Maryland, Iowa, Nebraska, Northwestern, and the rivals the Washington Huskies. But in the meantime, a quick road trip to Penn State and Ohio State is on the table as the Ducks, currently 16-2, look to continue this historic run of form and head into the postseason in top form.