SAN DIEGO, Calif. --- The Portland Pilots volleyball team completed their weekend on top, finishing undefeated at the 2018 Aztec Invitational by defeating San Diego State on Saturday evening at Peterson Gym. The Pilots won in four sets, 27-25, 25-22, 22-25, and 25-22.

The weekend was a hugely successful one for head coach Jeff Baxter, who went undefeated in his first three matches leading the Pilots.

"I'm very proud of the way we played in a tough environment against a good SDSU team. I'm looking forward to a great week of practice."

On the court, junior transfer Shayla Hoeft established herself as an integral piece for the Pilots, earning the MVP award of the 2018 Aztec Invitational and, along with senior Cali Thompson, was placed on the All-Tournament Team. She led the way once again against the Aztecs with 16 kills and 19 total points.

She did not work alone Saturday night, as senior Reghan Pukis had 13 kills, Izzy Guzik was a dig away from having a double-double (10 kills, nine digs), and Thompson was two digs away herself from having a double-double, with eight digs and 50 assists.

The match had a thrilling beginning set, with the Pilots on SDSU's heels multiple times, only to come out victorious in the end. Being down both 22-24 and 24-25, the Pilots came up clutch to win back the set 27-25.

As the second set began, the Pilots once again encountered an Aztec defense unlike any other they had faced this weekend. Going back and forth throughout the match, the Pilots would go on a 4-0 run to extend their lead to 17-12. Despite the Aztecs remaining feisty, the Pilots would go on to win the set 25-22.

With the thought of a third sweep to wrap up the weekend, the Pilots looked to continue their dominance against the Aztecs. Unfortunately, the Aztecs refused to give in, winning the competitive set 25-22.

Going into the fourth set, the Pilots looked hungry to put a halt to any thoughts of a comeback. After a back and forth start to the set, the Pilots went on a 3-0 run to extend their lead to 21-17. With the Aztecs knocking on the door, Guzik fired a kill past the SDSU defense to win the match, 25-22.

Next up for the Pilots, the team will host the North Portland Marriott Invite from August 30th till September 1st, welcoming to the Bluff Montana State, Wyoming and LIU Brooklyn.