FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Nov. 7, 2024) – The Northern Arizona women's volleyball team claimed victory tonight over the Portland State Vikings. The Lumberjacks achieved a 3-0 sweep, with set scores of 26-24, 25-17, and 25-19, bringing their season record to 11-11 overall and 4-7 in conference play. The Vikings' record now stands at 6-16 overall and 5-6 in conference.
"Tonight, we brought a lot of energy, and I think overall we had a great performance. I liked how we served and how we were able to disrupt their rhythm at key moments," head coach Ken Murphy said. "Our transition game was strong, we blocked well, and our outside hitters did a fantastic job rallying for kills. Millie had an outstanding night—her serves were on point, and her defense was a huge strength for us. I think Hanah also did very well, and seeing her growth as a player is exciting."
The first set saw the Vikings take early control with a 9-2 run, pulling ahead 12-8. However, the 'Jacks remained resilient, closing the gap as Hanah Stoddard's kill brought them within one at 19-18. The Vikings inched toward the set win with a 22-20 lead, but NAU surged with a 4-1 run to tie the score at 22-22. Ultimately, Northern Arizona clinched the set 26-24, finishing with another 4-1 run, aided by key kills from Taylor Jacobsen and Gigi Greenlee.
In the second set, Portland State started strong, opening with a 7-2 lead. Kills from Savannah Bloom and Stoddard sparked a 4-1 run that brought NAU within two points. This momentum continued with a 5-1 run featuring more kills by Bloom and Stoddard, a block by Sophia Wadsworth and Kendall Robertson, and a service ace by Keira Hall, pushing NAU ahead 11-10. The Vikings briefly tied the game, but the 'Jacks responded with a 4-0 run, highlighted by a Jacobsen kill and an ace by Millie O'Ketter, to lead 15-11. NAU later secured the set 25-17, capping off another strong run with contributions from Bloom, Stoddard, and Robertson.
The third set opened with NAU gaining an early lead, sparked by a 4-1 run and kills from Jacobsen, Wadsworth, and Greenlee. A service ace by Melia Barlow brought the score to 6-3 in favor of the 'Jacks. The Vikings countered with a 5-0 run to take the lead at 8-6, but the 'Jacks regained momentum with a 5-1 run, including a kill by Barlow, an ace by Jacobsen, and a Bloom kill, to go up 11-9. Portland State tied the score at 14-14 before NAU launched a decisive 9-1 run, putting the game out of reach for the Vikings. Though PSU made a final push, NAU closed out the set and match at 25-19, with Jacobsen delivering her 16th kill of the night on the winning point.
"We focused on playing as a cohesive unit, keeping our heads down, grinding, and now we're seeing the results we've been working for," Jacobsen said.
Overall, Northern Arizona posted a team-hitting percentage of .197, compared to Portland State's .115. Jacobsen led the Lumberjacks in kills with 16, followed by Stoddard with 10 and Bloom with six. Five different Lumberjacks recorded service aces, totalling eight for the team. Greenlee led in blocks with six, Wadsworth added five, and Robertson had three. Barlow contributed 15 assists, and Hall added 14. O'Ketter recorded 17 digs, bringing her career total to 1,793—just 98 digs away from setting the all-time program record. Stoddard added 11 digs, and Barlow had 10.
"Going into this game, we brought high energy, knowing we had focused on offense during practice this week," Robertson said. "It definitely showed tonight, and it's great to see everyone step up."
Northern Arizona will host Sacramento State on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard time in Rolle Activity Center. This game will be one of the final three home matches of the season.
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