PORTLAND, Ore. --- The Portland Pilots volleyball team won their second tournament in a row, winning the North Portland Marriott Invite by defeating LIU Brooklyn 3-0 on Saturday afternoon at the Chiles Center. The Pilots swept in three sets, 25-21, 25-11 and 25-14.
 
First-year head coach Jeff Baxter's career has gotten off to a stellar start, as he's led the Pilots to their best start in program history at 6-0.

"I'm proud of the team for battling some great teams this weekend," Baxter said. "We are very excited for practice on Monday."
 
Senior Reghan Pukis took home the honors of the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, recording 51 kills over the weekend. Juniors Cali Thompson and Shayla Hoeft joined Pukis on the All-Tournament Team.
 
The Pilots were excellent on defense against the Blackbirds (2-4), recording 43 digs and 11 blocks in only three sets. Sophomores Carey Williams and McKenzie Schwan had 11 and eight digs, respectively, while junior Katie Barker had seven blocks.
 
The first set began with both teams exchanging points. The Pilots took a timeout at 12-15, gathered themselves and clawed their way back into the set. They would reclaim the momentum, and go on a lengthy 13-3 run to take the first set 25-21. Pukis led the Pilots during their run, grabbing five of her 10 kills of the set during their dominant stretch.
 
Fresh off their solid finish to the first set, the Pilots continued their stretch of strong play, opening the second with a 7-0 run to make the score 9-3. After LIU Brooklyn begun to comeback, the Pilots immediately went on multiple 4-0 runs to quiet their visitors. It was then Hoeft's turn to take over the set offensively, recording five of her 10 kills in the second set.
 
The Pilots came out in the third set hungry for a sweep, emerging out of the gates with a 14-5 lead that featured an 8-0 run. They would make short work of the Blackbirds, winning the set convincingly 25-14. 

The Pilots will next fly west to Hawaii, as they will participate in the Outrigger Volleyball Challenge from September 6^th through September 8^th. While on the island the Pilots will take on San Diego State, Hawai'i and Idaho.