Box Score Wedan Electrifies Pilots Offense in Five Set Victory
Box Score
PORTLAND, Ore. --- Junior outside hitter Autumn Wedan career-high 20th kill marked the end of a five set match resulting in a 3-2 Pilots victory Friday afternoon over the Idaho State Bengals. Wedan was one off her career best in digs with 14 as the Portland Nike Invitational got underway at the Chiles Center.
The Pilots (2-3) led for most of the fifth set, keeping Idaho State (1-3) off-balance with a variety of attacking options. Sophomore Emily Liger and Wedan recorded three kills apiece while senior Ariel Usher and sophomore Sam Moore added two kills of their own.
“We had 12 players who played five sets today; there are a lot of moving parts in this equation,” Portland head coach Joe Houck said following the win. “Getting them well oiled and moving smoothly is a challenge for a young group, but they dialed in the fifth set.”
Idaho State tried to break the Pilots rhythm while trailing 10-8. After the teams traded points, Usher and fellow senior Rachel Femling stuffed an attack attempt to give Portland a three point cushion. A few plays later, junior Monica Jordan sent a sneak attack off the tape and onto the Bengals floor before Wedan took control and finished the match.
Portland dominated early in the match behind Liger, Usher, and Wedan, taking the first two sets by identical scores of 25-21 and preventing the Tigers from stringing together long rallies with stingy defense. The Pilots outblocked Idaho State 13.0-to-9.0 on the day.
“The defensive was outstanding. The side-out percentage is reflective of our passing which was, for the most part, very solid.” Houck added. “Being consistant through that with Jacky being outstanding and Katie providing a solid performance.
Sophomore middle blocker Bea Loper led the blocking with seven as Usher had six. Loper also added seven kills for the Pilots on a .417 attacking percentage.
The Nike Portland Invitational continues tonight as Idaho State takes on UNLV at 5:00 p.m. Portland resumes play after the conclusion of that match against Tennessee State.
