Oregon Volleyball: Ducks Bring Confidence Into Match With Washington Huskies
The Oregon Ducks Volleyball team faces a big challenge as Washington and Washington State come to Eugene this weekend.
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After starting the season with back to back losses against Florida and Texas, the Oregon Ducks have reeled off 11 straight wins and have done it with confidence and power. Lindsay Vander Weide has led the way with Freshman Ronika Stone and Jolie Rasmussen. Oregon has started Pac-12 play 4-0 in the process and jumped into the National poll at number 20.
Stone is hitting at a .500 clip in Pac-12 play and as a Freshman is aware of what lays ahead this weekend with Washington and Washington State coming to Eugene, “In the Pac-12 you sometimes find that teams have the same tendencies. Each team brings a different challenge we need to face.” In the case for Washington on Friday night, “They’re a lot bigger than us. They are good at blocking. We’ve been hitting pretty well. Having that big of a block helps, we’ll see how it will go.”
Oregon Head Coach Jim Moore echoed similar thoughts on the Washington Huskies, “They serve and block really well. That’s where they are getting all their momentum…We have to make sure we’re smart offensively and we have to pass well.”
The Oregon Ducks have been pushed this season on several occasions. Last weekend it took five sets to take care of Arizona State and four to handle Arizona, both road wins. This weekend will see two Washington schools who are more than ready for the challenge.
"Winning helps your confidence, losing helps your confidence. The first play against Washington is the only thing that matters. Winning helps, it makes you feel better.Oregon Head Coach Jim Moore"
The Huskies come into the matchup ranked 8th, but have two losses in Pac-12 play.. Washington is coming off an eight day hiatus due to scheduling. Oregon wrapped up Non-Conference play with a week off and came back to begin a 4-0 Conference start beating Oregon State and Cal at home followed by Arizona State and Arizona on the road.
Next: Oregon's Playoff Run In 2017 May Not Be Realistic
The Ducks and Huskies begin the weekend’s first matchup of Conference foes on Friday night at 8pm on ESPNU.