Ducks Complete Weekend Sweep; Now 5-0

The Ducks return to McArthur Court on Friday, Sept. 8th, to host Fresno State at 7:00 PM.

Photo courtesy: goducks.com

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - The University of Oregon volleyball team finished off a perfect road trip, defeating Utah State, 3-0, to win the 2006 Freemont Investment & Loan Invitational hosted by Cal State Northridge.

The Ducks (5-0) disposed of the Aggies (2-2) in quick fashion by identical scores of 30-17.

“This week’s performance is as impressive of a performance by a team that I’ve seen in a long time,” said second-year head coach Jim Moore. “We had virtually no rest on this trip, but we persevered and finished it off with a one-sided win.”

Sophomore hitter Mira Djuric was the only player in the match to record double-digit points, finishing with 18.5. She had 11 kills and a career-high seven aces to go with a .375 attack percentage.

“Our theme for the match tonight was ‘empty the tank,’ Moore said, referring to his squad’s upcoming six-day layoff. “I had to sub Mira out at the end because she could barely jump.”

Freshman middle blocker Sonja Newcombe, who continued to play with an ab strain suffered in preseason camp, had six kills on 10 attempts and contributed 10 digs.

“Sonja couldn’t swing and still hit .600,” Moore said. “Our early season schedule has turned out great. We’ve faced obstacles and adversity and have really come through.”

Oregon continued to show plenty of balance on the front line, receiving eight kills from freshman Neticia Enesi and senior Erin Little, and seven kills from senior Kristen Bitter.

Sophomore libero Katie Swoboda led UO in digs for a fifth straight match, posting a match-high 14. Freshman setter Nevena Djordjevic led all players with 34 assists.

Utah State freshman Hailey Jeppson had a team-high nine kills for the Aggies.

For the match, Oregon hit .330 and Utah State .038.

QUACK TRACKS: An All-Tournament team and MVP will be announced following Saturday’s Freemont Investment & Loan Invitational finale between Cal State Northridge and Utah State at 7 p.m. ... UO is 5-0 to start the season for the fifth time in seven years, but it’s the first time the Ducks have two road victories as part of that mark since 1999 ... SR MB Kristen Bitter had a team-high three blocks ... The Ducks improved to 5-3 all-time vs. Utah State, snapping a one-match losing streak against the Aggies ... UO has won both tournaments it has participated in this season.

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