PORTLAND, OR -- The Portland Pilots opened conference play with a dominant 3-0 sweep (25-16, 25-22, 25-20) against the Saint Mary's Gaels at the Chiles Center. This marks the Pilots' first conference sweep since 2021 and their first victory over the Gaels since 2017. The conference victory improved Portland's record to 8-3 overall and 1-0 in WCC play.
Maui Robins led the Pilots' offense with a match-high 12 kills, posting an impressive .320 hitting percentage. On the defensive side, Tinoa Woodward-Hart contributed a match-high nine digs, while Lucia Busso dominated at the net with a match-high four blocks.
Game Notes
» Tinoa Woodward-Hart recorded a match-high three aces and nine digs in the win.
» Maui Robins posted a match-high 12 kills for Portland.
» Lucia Busso had a match-high four blocks.
» Portland attackers were helped by a match-high 22 assists from Havannah Hoeft.
» This victory is Portland's first conference sweep since 2021.
» This win marks the Pilots' first victory over the Gaels since 2017.
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Pilots grabbed control on the first point and never looked back to win the first set 25-16. Portland opened its biggest lead, nine points, to close the set, collecting 16 kills along the way.
SET 2 | Portland continued to roll after a set-one win by earning a 25-22 victory in the second set. The Pilots grabbed the advantage for good at 20-19 in a set that showcased three lead changes before the Pilots took over in the second half. The Portland offense also got a boost from three aces. Portland's front row had a solid defensive performance, blocking four Saint Mary's attacks in the set.
SET 3 | Portland finished off the match in a 3-0 sweep after grabbing set three. The Pilots took the set 25-20 helped by a strong performance on the attacking side. Portland put together a .438 attack percentage with 17 kills in the set win. The Pilots created a 21-14 lead in the set and coasted to victory from there.
The Pilots will host the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 1 p.m here at Chiles Center. Live stats, live video and tickets for the match can be found at PortlandPilots.com.
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