Box Score Box Score
WICHITA, Kan. --- Sophomore setter Madison Smith just missed posting a triple-double as the Portland Pilots edged the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks (18-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-19, 15-13) Friday afternoon at the Charles Koch Arena to open the Shocker Classic. Sophomore Ariel Usher added a double-double while junior Kati Hronek also posted kills in the first ever meeting between the two programs.
Portland (2-2) dropped the first two sets before tying the match by taking the third and fourth sets. The Pilots trailed much of the fifth and final set before a kill from Hronek gave Portland their first advantage over the Ladyjacks (2-3) at 11-10. Portland held on for the victory as Usher recorded her 17th kill of the match for the final point.
Senior libero Danielle Dupar recorded 28 digs to move into seventh place for the Pilots’ all-time digs leaders. Sophomore Madison Smith continues to rack up the assists, as she posted 46 for the match to compliment nine digs and a career-best eight kills.
Stephen F. Austin opened the match with strong defensive showing, posting seven blocks to take the first set. The stonewalling continued throughout the entire match as the Ladyjacks frustrated the Pilot attackers by recording a total of 20 blocks. Portland still held a slight advantage in kills (63-55). Portland responded well by spreading around the attacks as three Pilots recorded eight kills in addition to Usher and Hronek’s double-digit performances.
The two teams play against each other again tomorrow for a noon match-up (10 a.m. PST). Portland then finishes the tournament Saturday evening against the host Wichita State Shockers.
