Under Armour Team of the Week Announced
LA GRANDE, Ore. –The Southern Oregon University volleyball team has been named the “Under Armour Team of the Week” for August 27-September 2, the Cascade Collegiate Conference announced Sunday.
SOU, picked 2
nd in the CCC preseason poll and ranked No. 13 in the NAIA preseason poll, opened conference play with a three-game slate on the road hoping to accomplished something they haven’t done in over a decade.
On Thursday the Raiders defeated Walla Walla University in straight sets 3-0 ((25-14, 25-15, 25-7). As a team SOU had a hitting percentage of .21 and 43 kills on the night.
On Friday the Raiders would face No. 15 Eastern Oregon and prevailed over the Mountaineers in a thrilling five-set battle 3-2 (21-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-11, 7-15). It was the first victory for SOU over EOU in La Grande since 2010. Outside hitter Nila Lukens led the way with 13 kills with teammates Elliott Cook, Makayla Hoyt and Taylor Ristvedt each contributing 11 kills apiece. Myla Norvell had 16 digs and 28 assists on the night.
On Saturday SOU would face No. 7 The College of Idaho in hopes of capping off a perfect opening CCC weekend. The Raiders did just that taking another epic five-set slugfest 3-2 (29-27, 22-25, 25-22, 23-25,15-12). Hoyt turned in a masterful performance with 15 kills and 12 blocks. Ristvedt would have 22 kills and assisted on 7 blocks. Natalie James recorded 37 assists and 10 digs.
The sweep in La Grande and Caldwell is the first for Southern since 2005.
Southern Oregon (10-0, 3-0 CCC) will be at home inside Lithia Motors Pavilion, September 6 at 7 p.m. against Walla Walla University.