Box Score
Duquesne Outlasts Pilots at Penn State Classic
 
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. --- Less than one hour after defeating Eastern Illinois in a five set thriller, the Portland Pilots began the day’s second match in a dominating fashion, but the Duquesne Duke pulled away with a 3-1 victory over the Pilots (21-25,25-21,25-20,25-20) Saturday night at the Penn State Classic.
 
Portland (6-8) opened the match on an 11-3 run courtesy of stonewall defense and powerful offense. Senior Ariel Usher recorded the first two kills of the match against Duquesne (10-5) before sophomore Bea Loper continued her torrid day with four kills in the first set.
 
Senior Rachel Femling led the defensive effort, having a hand in three of the team’s four blocks while junior Autumn Wedan was all over the court with eight digs and four kills.
 
As Duquesne started to finish their attacks, the effects of the day’s earlier match kicked in allowing the Dukes to take control, although Portland never trailed in the first set.
 
Usher would go on to finish the match with a team-high 13 kills on a .355 attacking percentage. The Hillsboro, Ore., native also tallied five blocks to earn her third consecutive All-Tournament Team honors. Loper topped double-digit kills in both matches, the first two times she has accomplished that in her career.
 
Portland begins conference play on Saturday at Pepperdine with a 1 p.m. match. The Pilots then head to Moraga for a rare Monday night match against the Gaels of Saint Mary’s.