24th-Ranked Ducks Sweep Cougars

Sophomore setter Nevena Djordjevic recorded her third double-double of the season with 25 assists and 10 digs for the Ducks.

Sophomore Nevena Djordjevic recorded her third double-double of the season with 25 assists and 10 digs for the Ducks. Photo courtesy: goducks.com

EUGENE, Ore. - After losing a heartbreaking match less than 24 hours before, the Oregon volleyball team responded with a commanding three-game sweep (30-24, 30-24, 30-22) of Washington State on Saturday evening at McArthur Court.

After a five-game thriller in their Pacific-10 opener against No. 8 Washington, the 24th-ranked Ducks evened their Pac-10 record at 1-1 by dispatching the Cougars (9-7, 0-2).

Led by sophomore Sonja Newcombe’s match-high 15 kills, Oregon hit .234 on the night and improved to 12-2 overall, and 7-1 at Mac Court.

The Ducks came out firing in the first game, led by Newcombe’s six kills.

In game two, Washington State had an early 6-1 advantage, but the Ducks were led by Karen Waddington and Kristen Forristall at the net.

Oregon eventually took an 11-10 lead, and never looked back as the Ducks tallied six of their 13 blocks on the night.

Both Forristall and Waddington tallied five blocks assists apiece in game two.

For the 13th time this year, junior Gorana Maricic finished in double figures with 10 kills, while Forristall tied her career best with nine kills and also contributed a match-leading seven blocks.

Sophomore setter Nevena Djordjevic recorded her third double-double of the season with 25 assists and 10 digs, while junior Katie Swoboda led Oregon with 15 digs.

Oregon’s defense held Washington State to a .053 hitting percentage, including .000 in the third game.

The Ducks hit the road for their second weekend of Pac-10 action, traveling to Arizona State on Thursday and Arizona on Friday.

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