By Mario Ponce

EUGENE, Ore - The Oregon Ducks volleyball team (20-4) swept the Utah Utes (9-14) at Matthew Knight Arena in a tight and back and forth game, closer than the set sweep suggests. The Utes played very well and had an effective attack but lost steam in the third set, and Oregon’s trademark defense and momentum grabbing kills gave them an important win to add to their column this season.

The Ducks won the exciting first set against the Utes in a frenetic, back and forth start. Both teams came out of the gate strong and aggressive and had runs of consecutive points. The largest lead by either team was only 3 and there were multiple lead changes. The Ducks took a decisive advantage at the end of the set after the scores hit the 20’s, with kills and a critically important block setting up the first match point. The Utes defended admirably but a net violation gave the green and yellow the first set 26-24.

The second set was even more energetic than the first. Oregon started out very strong, being up 9-2 at the beginning of the set, before a service error changed the dynamic of play. The Utes recovered remarkably well and led for most of the set. Both teams had mixed fortunes serving, tallying up aces and service errors and keeping the scores close. Both also had set points, with the Utes having the first opportunity of the set at 24-21. But the intense defense that has been Oregon’s signature all season kicked in again and the Ducks eventually took the set 29-27.

Oregon dominated the third set, winning it in an impressive display of their power. They started the set with 5 straight points after Utah took the first, and the Utes couldn’t keep up. The Ducks kept up their pressing attack from the whole match, and though Utah had good moments in the set, the Ducks ran away with it and took it 25-12.

With the win Oregon reaches 20 wins in the season and 10 in conference play. The Ducks look solid for the rest of the season and have expectations now that they will host a playoff game at Matthew Knight Arena later in November. Their next game is at home on Sunday the 5th against the Colorado Buffaloes at noon.