The Oregon State Beavers women’s volleyball team opened with strong momentum against their in-state rivals, but could not hold onto it, falling to the Oregon Ducks 3–1 on Thursday night.
The Ducks claimed the match with set scores of (23–25, 25–20, 27–25, and 27–25) in a back-and-forth contest that highlighted the intensity of the Oregon-Oregon State rivalry.
Oregon State came out firing in the first set, playing with poise and precision. The Beavers’ strong serve-receive and aggressive swings allowed them to take control early. Despite pressure from Oregon late in the frame, OSU held its ground to secure a 25–23 victory and grab the opening set.
The Ducks responded immediately in the second. Oregon tightened its blocking at the net and capitalized on several OSU errors to create separation midway through the set. While the Beavers battled to close the gap, the Ducks maintained their edge, taking the frame 25–20 and evening the match at one set apiece.
The third set proved to be the turning point of the night. Both teams traded points in a seesaw battle that engaged roars from the crowd. Defense defined the set, with each side diving for saves and extending rallies deep into extra points. Oregon State pushed the Ducks to the limit, but Oregon’s attackers converted crucial swings in the closing moments to escape with a 27–25 win.
That energy carried into the fourth, where the two teams once again fought down to the wire. Oregon State matched the Ducks point-for-point, refusing to back down even as fatigue set in. The Beavers leaned on balanced offense and tough serving, but Oregon’s composure in the clutch proved decisive. The Ducks edged out another 27–25 victory to seal the match, leaving OSU just short of forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the brief post-match talk, Keila Gabriel said, “It was a good and close game, unfortunately we lost.” She also added, “We learned a lot from this game, and we will bounce back.”
Though the Beavers walked away with the loss, the match reflected their ability to compete against a top-tier opponent. Oregon State’s opening-set win and competitive play throughout demonstrated resilience and growth. The narrow losses in the third and fourth sets highlighted both the frustration of missed opportunities and the promise of a team capable of pushing its rivals to their limits.
The atmosphere inside the arena reflected the magnitude of the matchup. Fans filled the stands, creating a charged environment where every point felt magnified. Long rallies and dramatic finishes in the third and fourth sets only amplified the energy, showcasing the intensity of the rivalry, and the energy Gill Coliseum can present.
For the Beavers, the focus now shifts to converting close sets into wins, as OSU failed to close out sets three and four, allowing the Ducks to surge back and take both sets. Execution in late-game scenarios, and sustaining momentum across multiple sets will be key as the season continues.
Despite the loss, Oregon State leaves the match with confidence that it can challenge top programs and use the lessons learned against Oregon as fuel moving forward. The Ducks earned bragging rights in this year’s clash, but the Beavers proved that the gap between the two teams remains very thin.
With plenty of season left, Oregon State will look to build on Thursday’s fight as they prepare for their next test against Portland State University. While on the road, the Beavers will face off against the Vikings on Saturday, Sept. 20 in a quick road stint before coming back to Gill on Thursday, Sept. 25 to face off against Saint Mary’s College of California.
