IRVINE, CA -- The Portland Pilots showed great determination in a five-set win over the Bradley Braves on Day 2 of the UCI/adidas Invitational. 

This victory improved Portland's overall record to 5-0 on the season, the Pilots' best season start since 2018. 

The Pilots' attack was paced by Elin Larsson, who finished with 15 kills on the day, and by Lucia Busso, who had 11 while hitting .348. Defensively, Portland had three players reach double figures in digs, including Tinoa Woodward-Hart, Havannah Hoeft, and Maui Robins. From the front row, Nevaeh Bray, Taina Kaauwai and Lucia Busso contributed nine blocks each. 

Game Notes 

» Portland had three players in double figures in digs: Tinoa Woodward-Hart (15), Havannah Hoeft (13) and Maui Robins (11). 

» Taina Kaauwai had a team-high three aces in the win. 

» Portland's defense dominated the third set, blocking nine Bradley attacks. Lucia Busso, Nevaeh Bray and Taina Kaauwai each recorded a match-high 9 blocks. 

» Elin Larsson had a match-high 15 kills for Portland. 

» Portland got a match-high 15 digs from Tinoa Woodward-Hart. 

» Portland attackers were helped by a match-high 27 assists from Havannah Hoeft. 

How It Happened 

SET 1 | The Pilots won the first point and held the lead the rest of the way to win the first set 25-18. Portland led by as many as nine points at 16-7 before finishing off the set. The front row delivered a strong defensive effort, blocking four Bradley attacks in the set. 

SET 2 | Portland then fell in set two 25-17, evening the match at a set apiece. The Pilots fought back after trailing, but the Braves secured the lead for good at 9-8 in a set that was tied twice. 

SET 3 | Portland fired back to take the third set and a 2-1 lead in the match. The front row's defensive effort, with nine blocks, led the Pilots to a 25-22 victory. After the lead changed hands two times, the Pilots took control for good at 22-21 and rode that advantage to victory. 

SET 4 | Portland couldn't finish off a four-set win as the Braves forced a fifth set with a 25-17 victory. The Pilots fell behind on the first point and never took the lead before losing the set. 

SET 5 | Portland and Bradley went back and forth all game, trading set wins until the Pilots took the fifth set 15-10 and the match. The Pilots took control of the set-five lead at 3-2 and held it the rest of the way. Portland led by as many as six points at 11-5 before closing out the set.