The Beavers extended their win streak to five at Gill Coliseum in a triumphant finish to the ASICS Invitational against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels.
The first set started rocky for Oregon State, with a decisive block assist from Jaida Harris of UNLV. The first point set the tone for the set which ended 18-25 in UNLV’s favor.
“We knew this was going to be a gritty match, so just relying on the things we can control and focusing on what we’re doing well [is important],” freshman middle blocker Alana Marrs said.
The Beavers found their stride in the second set, scoring the first three points. Following a kill from Maeli Cormier, the Beavers went on a eight-point run. The eighth point was ruled for the Beavers after a strategic challenge call by Oregon State head coach Lindsey Behonick.
Oregon State kept up the momentum, winning the second and third set 25-20 and 25-18.
After only three points and two errors in the first set, Lauren Rumel was a critical offensive player in the sets that followed, leading the match in kills (17) and tied for total points scored (19.5) with UNLV player Alondra Alarcón.
Marrs also highlighted the impact that setters Emma Lilo and Jackie Matias had on the match. Lilo and Matias led the team in assists with 21 and 19 respectively.
UNLV started set four with a kill from Rheanna Deen-Jackson. The Beavers quickly followed up with a kill by Rumel. The rest of the set alternated points between the two teams, broken up only by an occasional two-point run and time out.
The game was decided by a kill from Keila Gabriel to end the set 26-24 and the match 3-1 Oregon State.
The Beavers increased their record to 5-3 in nonconference games, also marking their fifth consecutive win. UNLV will go into their next game against UC Riverside with a record of 5-3 as well.
“There’s a lot we can improve upon after this match,” Marrs said. “It will be good to play [Oregon] again.”
Oregon State volleyball returns to Gill Coliseum in a rivalry matchup against the University of Oregon on Thursday, September 18.
