Box Score Box Score
PORTLAND, Ore --- The University of Portland Pilots women’s volleyball team was swept by the No. 24 Pepperdine Waves 25-12, 25-21, and 27-25, Thursday evening as the Pilots played their second to last home match of the season.
Portland, now 6-22 overall and 0-12 in the WCC, was led by senior Ashley Grayson, whose 10 kills and 13 digs earned her the double-double. Senior K.C. Fox added seven kills and eight digs, while senior Jennifer Sheedy had four kills and three blocks. Freshman Marissa Plummer contributed four kills, two blocks and one dig, while Danielle Dupar had nine digs.
Pepperdine, 18-5 and 6-5 in conference play, was led by Julie Rubenstein who posted the match high in kills with 15 and added 10 digs. Rachel Lumsden has 13 kills and four digs, while Kim Hill had six kills and four blocks. Stevi Robinson had 13 digs.
After a forgettable first set, the Portland Pilots mounted a strong charge in the second set that was tied five times and saw three lead changes. Trailing by just two points at 23-21, the Pilots would gift a point to Pepperdine on an error. The Waves blocking duo of Rubenstein and Hill would deny one final Pilot attacking attempt to close out the set.
The teams opened the third set wrestling for points until 10-10 when the Waves would run ahead with six consecutive points. Pepperdine would enjoy their largest lead of the set at 19-12 but the Pilots would rally back to even the score at 24-24. After an exchange of service errors that brought the score to 25-25, Pepperdine’s Cassi Chamberlain and Lumsden would get above the net for a clutch block assist. At match point, an exciting rally ensued that saw the ball cross the net nine times before Rubenstein smashed home the match-winning kill for Pepperdine.
Portland next squares off against the LMU Lions on Saturday Nov. 15 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chiles Center. The match marks the last home appearance for the four Pilot seniors, K.C. Fox, Ashley Grayson, Jennifer Sheedy and Betsy Grasham, who will all be recognized in a pre-match celebration.
