PORTLAND –The University of Portland volleyball team couldn’t put together a winning combination this weekend, dropping its second-straight road match and fourth overall. Even with Sara Vercruyssen’s 18 kills and 11 digs, the Pilots lost in three games (31-29, 30-17, 33-31) to the San Francisco Dons tonight at War Memorial Gym. With the loss, Portland moves to 10-14 on the season, 1-10 in WCC play, while the Dons improve to 11-16 overall, and 4-7 in the WCC.

The Dons took an early 4-1 lead, but the Pilots kept within reach and down the stretch, eventually tied the game at 29. The Pilots managed to hold the Dons to three game-point opportunities, the last one coming off a hard hit kill by Monique Kettler. USF’s Jenice LeJune recorded the Dons’ last two points to claim the first set, 31-29.

Portland scored first in the second set and jumped out to an early 4-1 lead. USF made a run and then extended its lead to eight mid-way through the game. The Dons were able to maintain the lead as the Pilots went on to score just five more points in the set, falling 30-17.

Game three was close right from the beginning with 17 ties and lead changes throughout the set. Portland tallied a two-point lead off back-to-back kills by Monique Kettler and Michelle Oakland for a 14-12 advantage. The Pilots managed to hold the lead until the Dons tied the game at 20 on a service ace by Stephanie Voelckers. USF then managed a three-point lead as the score was 28-25, but Portland then battled back to tie the game at 31-31. The Dons were able to pound out the win in the third set off attacking errors by Portland.

Vercruyssen’s 18 kills and 11 digs marked her 12th double-double of the season. Michelle Oakland pounded out 14 kills and a .393 hitting efficiency, while Murphy McClenahan led the Pilots defensively with 17 digs. Kara Pein posted her first double-double of her career with 44 assists and 14 digs in the match. As a team, Portland hit for .162.

Three USF players tallied double-figure kills, led by Voelckers 20. She also posted 13 digs on the night, while teammate Brynne Maurer led all players with 19. KeLicia Shorts and Theresa Hart combined for 26 kills in the match. Overall, the Dons posted a .295 hitting percentage and out blocked Portland 10 to six.

UP NEXT: The Pilots host Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount next weekend at home. Portland will face the Waves first, on Nov. 12 and the Lions next, on Nov. 13 at the Chiles Center. Both matches are set to begin at 7:00 p.m.