MOSCOW, Idaho---The Pilots closed out opening day of the Idaho Volleyball Classic with a sweep of tournament hosts Idaho to begin their 2021 campaign 2-0 at Memorial Gymnasium on Friday afternoon. Portland secured the match in set scores of 25-22, 25-13, and 25-20.
 
The Pilots' junior class led all major categories for the visiting side as outside hitter Jayde Harris finished just shy of her single match record in kills at 15, setter Noelani Helm provided 17 assists, and Grace Zilbert collected eight digs on the night. The Portland offense found its rhythm again, hitting at .352% against the Vandals.
 
The Pilots (2-0, 0-0 WCC) found themselves behind Idaho (0-2, 0-0 Big Sky) to begin the match, and would not break even until the score was 9-9 after three critical kills from Harris. Portland managed their first lead shortly after following a block assisted by Jiana Lawson and Helm, and  another Harris attack would push the team's margin to two at 12-10. Idaho eventually came back to square the game at 12s, and the set stayed even before the Vandals regained the advantage at 18-14. A Harmon kill and a Zilbert ace helped to close that gap, and a couple of Vandals errors soon turned the score in Portland's favor. That was when the Pilots scored three unanswered points to earn the first set point of the frame, and Helm converted on the second attempt to take the 1-0 lead into the second set.
 
Set two was all Portland as the away team jumped out to a 4-0 start, although Idaho would shortly climb back in it to even the score at 7-7. The Pilots reclaimed the lead moments later, aided by kills from both Harris and Chelsey Harmon, and created some separation thereafter with a 5-0 run in the middle of the frame. Harmon and Harris each scored again following, and the Pilots closed out the set on yet another 5-0 run with the final point coming off a touch from Charity Bradley.
 
Harris got the Pilots on the board first to open set three, and Portland's first sizeable lead came at 10-5 with two attacks provided by Paloma Bowman. The Pilots controlled the set from then on, never giving up the lead to collect their first sweep of the season and a decisive victory over the Vandals.
 
"So proud of this team for the fight and focus they showed today," said head coach Megan Burton. "Idaho is a tall physical team and we were able to pass well and put some pressure on their defense. Jayde Harris had an outstanding night on the pin showing her range as an offensive threat."
 
"It was another match that the entire team stepped up and did their individual jobs at a high level," said Burton. "We'll enjoy this win tonight and get back to work against Eastern Washington tomorrow. Go Pilots!"
 
Portland will be back in action tomorrow against the Eastern Washington Eagles as they look to take the tournament, with the match set to begin at 12:30 p.m.