PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Pilots won their first of two matches this week against Portland State, taking the match in four sets. The Pilots won it with set scores of 25-19, 16-25, 25-16, and 25-21.
 
Junior Liz Reich and seniors Katie Barker and Shayla Hoeft each recorded 15 kills, while four different Pilots notched 11 digs, including junior Kellie Hughes who recorded her first career double-double with 53 assists and 11 digs.  
"(I'm) excited how we rallied and executed during some tough stretches," said head coach Jeff Baxter. "Looking forward to another battle against PSU on Saturday."

The Pilots (8-2) began the match with a 6-1 run, featuring two kills from junior Kassidy Naone, and forced a Vikings (3-8) timeout with the lead at 15-4. PSU refused to be taken out easily, cutting the Pilots lead to five points, but were unable to overcome Portland as the Pilots took the first set at 25-19.
 
In the second set, the Vikings refused to allow the Pilots to get out in front, keeping Portland at bay early. PSU eventually went on a 6-0 run to go up 20-11, and won the second set at 25-16.

Both teams once again battled to begin the third set. With the score tied at 7-7, Portland went go on a 5-0 run thanks to back to back service aces from junior Carey Williams (20 digs, four aces) and go up 12-7. PSU once again cut the Pilots lead to five points, but Portland responded with a 5-1 run to quiet the rally, and went on to take the third set at 25-16.

Portland would struggle to ride their momentum early in the fourth, with the set lead going back and forth across the net. The Pilots would eventually claim the lead at 14-13 and never look back, going on a 12-8 run to keep the Vikings at bay and take the fourth and final set at 25-21
 
The Pilots return to action this Saturday at 12:00 p.m., hosting the Portland State Vikings at the Chiles Center.