Coming off of a win versus Eastern Washington last Thursday, the Vikings hosted the Idaho Vandals Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Peter W. Stott Center. Winning three of the four sets played, the Vikings secured a victory over the Vandals with set scores of 25–13, 25–18, 18–25, and 25–20.
The Vikings took control of the first set with outside hitter Caitlin Bettenay scoring four of her 10 total kills within the opening set. Bettenay also managed 12 digs throughout the match. Showing her willingness to dive for the ball, she had quite a hard fall and sat for some time during the first two sets. With solid efforts from the entire starting lineup, the Vikings kept the Vandals at a 10-point deficit or higher for most of the opening set.
Setter Kylie Copple proved to be quite an offensive threat to the Vandals with an ace and 13 total kills. On the defensive end, Copple also recorded two blocks and eight digs throughout the match. The Vikings trailed early in the second set but turned things around with an 8–0 run, winning the set 25–18 and looking confident going into intermission.
After the half, Idaho came into the third set with much more intensity. The Vikings struggled to find their groove early in the set and were kept on the defensive. Middle blocker Katy Wilson rallied the team with three kills, bringing the Vikings back within striking distance. Wilson earned a pair of blocks and 10 total kills throughout the night. Despite a strong effort from Portland State, the Vandals would eventually win the third set with a score of 25–18.
The Vikings would trail again at the start of the fourth set with the Vandals taking a seven point lead 13-6. Portland State regained their momentum and after several blocks from the team collectively tied the score 17–17. After back and forth leads between the two teams, the Vikings were eventually victorious with a game-winning kill by outside hitter Pati Anae.
Anae had a big night and led the team with a double-double of 14 kills and 20 digs. This would be the 11th double-double Anae has earned this season so far. Another noteworthy Viking performance was by setter Erin Clark. Clark had 47 assists in this game putting her at 1,918 career assists. Clark is now 10th all-time in assists at Portland State.
The win advances their position in the Big Sky Conference to sixth in the league with a record of 13–9 this season. The Vikings will host Southern Utah on Thursday Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.
