Vert Challenge: Oregon Ducks Drop Match To Florida Gators
Oregon started the 2016 season 0-2 after falling to Florida and Texas in the Vert Challenge.
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On Friday night the Oregon Ducks were able to get a set against Texas, but lost 3 Sets to 1. Saturday was a new day and a match against 10th Ranked Florida. Head Coach Jim Moore said part of the issue in the opening game was nerves. Ronika Stone and Kacy Nady had big moments against Texas, but the team was unable to capitalize.
The first set saw some nerves, but they were gone faster than Friday night. Lindsay Vander Weide led both teams with 5 kills in the first set, Ronika Stone added two in a first set loss 25-16 to Florida. The second set started well for Oregon.
Jim Moore watched his team score the first four points of the second set against Florida. Jo Rasmussen would see four serves, two for aces forcing a Gators timeout. Oregon settled in to win the second set entering the break with the match tied at one.
Florida would start the third set and push the lead to 20-12, but the Oregon Ducks would score three straight points forcing a Gators Timeout at 20-15. The 10th ranked team in the country would take the set and lead Oregon two sets to one.
The fourth set saw the Oregon Ducks with the early lead. The Ducks watched a 12-9 lead become 12-11 following a hitting error and a timeout. Florida would take the lead off back to back blocks at 15-12 forcing Jim Moore to take his second and final timeout of the set. Ronika Stone blocked off two points tying the set at 17.
Ronika Stone put the Ducks on her back to force a Florida timeout with Oregon leading 20-18, but Florida battled to take the lead at 25-24 and would win the match 26-24. The Ducks started the season 0-2, but had two big games and two battles to learn from early in the 2016 season.
Next: Oregon Suspends Torrodney Prevot Suspended Indefinitely
Oregon faces Murray State on Friday September 2nd at Matthew Knight Arena.