How did Washington beat Oregon?

Washington Coach Jim McLaughlin could barely contain a big grin. Win or lose, McLaughlin is usually understated and unemotional when he answers reporters’ post-match questions. But after his team fought off Oregon in three high-volume sets, he was close to giddy.

“That team (Oregon) is GOOD,” he said, more than once. “But we had good composure and aggressiveness, and we were good at big times when we had to be.”

Washington Huskies celebrate a point during the third set against Oregon

[Volleyblog photo by Leslie Hamann]

The Huskies won 3-0, but it could have easily been 1-2 in favor of the Ducks after the first three nailbiter sets. So what made the difference?

Washington had five offensive weapons, Oregon just four.

With each big match, UW setter Evan Sanders finds more ways to share the wealth and confuse the defense. Consider the attempts for both teams:

What’s the difference? Washington’s Lauren Barfield. The senior middle blocker has become an offensive force this season, and she and Sanders have made ever-increasing connections. By contrast, Oregon setter Lauren Plum could never find her MB2, Milica Krstojevic, and the Huskies could simply ignore her. If Sanders and Bianca Rowland ever connect on a regular basis, watch out.

It was interesting, by the way, that the Huskies abandoned the back-row attack this match. Although Kylin Muñoz has been rotated out of the back in favor of Kelly Holford, both Vansant and Ross are capable of back row bombs.

Huskies’ “Blockheads” ruled.

At Washington, the term “blockhead” is a badge of honor, and the Huskies earned that accolade last night, outblocking the Ducks 14-3. In a close match, a disparity like that makes a huge difference.

How did UW’s blockers do so well?

• Oregon had fewer weapons. See previous paragraphs: the Huskies never had to worry about Krstojevic.
• The Ducks’ sets were poorly-disguised. Washington blockers emphasize eyework; in particular, they focus on the setter to detect the slightest clue about the direction and force of her set. When a team gets 14 blocks in just three sets, they are seeing the sets very, very well.
• Oregon’s sets were often off the mark. The reason could be poor passing (limiting the setter’s options) or poor technique, but many of Plum’s sets were too far outside, taking away any chance at hitting line. Although Duck hitters were very good at tooling the block, Washington adjusted, picking up 5 blocks in the second set, and 6 more in the third, many on the outside.

Plum came into the match with 71 attacks, a large number for a setter. Libero Jenna Orlandini and Holford were both expecting a lot of setter dumps, but Plum never made a single attempt. It will be interesting to see what she does when the Huskies visit Eugene.

Poise under pressure.

As I study my match notes, I find stars next to any number of big-time defensive plays, many by freshman Summer Ross.

• In set one, Oregon served trailing 21-23. A sure Duck point was saved by Ross making a near-impossible save.
• In set three, Oregon served leading 10-8. Lauren Barfield’s big attack was dug, but Barfield stayed with the play and exploded to put away the overpass as the Ducks stood flat-footed.
• In set three, Washington served at 25-25. A big Oregon attack was slickly handled by Ross, allowing Krista Vansant to put it away.
• During the final rally of the match, Oregon’s Katherine Fisher put up a monster block, headed straight for the hardwood. Before it could get there, Sanders somehow flew underneath, popping the ball high enough for Vansant to snap it down for the match-winner. It happened so fast, the Ducks barely moved.



Washington's Summer Ross (99) and Lauren Barfield (8) with third-set block attempt against Oregon
[Volleyblog Seattle photo by Leslie Hamann]

We’ve seen more of this from Washington as the season continues: they’re not easily rattled. While opponents relax after a “sure” kill or block, UW players—and particularly Ross—maintain focus until the whistle is blown.

To Oregon’s credit, it never quit. To McLaughlin, that made the victory even sweeter. During his team’s only loss this season—in three close sets to USC—Washington dug a few holes and could never climb out. In both sets two and three against the Ducks, the Huskies trailed several times—including 21-23 in the third—but always found a way to re-take the lead.

"The best thing about it is we sustained a little comeback," McLaughlin said after the match. "They came back at us and we sustained it. It's good to be under that stress and pull it off.