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SALT LAKE CITY — Despite a strong performance in the second set, Utah fell short in a 3-1 loss to the Oregon Ducks Sunday afternoon.
After an impressive showing in blocking against Oregon State, the Utes faced an early setback in the first set as the Ducks took an early 4-1 lead.
The Utes managed to narrow the gap to just 2 points after a service error by Gabby Gonzales, but the Ducks went on a scoring spree to take the first set with a score of 25-16.
In the second set, the Utes turned the tables, starting with 3 consecutive points, including a kill by Emerie Satuala and a service ace by Emily Smith, a native of Park City. The set became a tightly contested battle as both teams exchanged points.
Emily Smith's strong service game caused problems for the Ducks, and the Utes found themselves leading 13-8, forcing Ducks head coach Matt Ulmer to call a timeout. The Ducks struggled to capitalize after the break, committing two attacking errors.
Midway through the set, the Utes extended their lead to 6 points with a powerful swing from Lauren Jardine, a transfer from Wisconsin. The Utes reached the 20-point mark first and secured the second set with a score of 25-21; however, the Ducks responded by winning the third and fourth sets.
The Ducks' attack was on display with a hitting percentage of .281% and 49 kills. In contrast, the Utes struggled with their hitting, achieving a 0.99% hitting percentage with 41 team kills.
The Ducks' formidable blocking proved challenging for the Utes throughout the match, with the Ducks tallying 14 blocks compared to the Utes' six. Leading the way for the Ducks in blocking was Karson Bacon, who contributed seven blocks. Oregon currently leads the Pac-12 in blocks per set with an average of 2.84.
In the third and fourth sets, the Ducks capitalized on the Utes' passing game issues, securing wins with scores of 25-17 and 25-16, ultimately clinching the match.
With this result, the Ducks improved to a 5-1 record in the Pac-12 and are set to return to Eugene to face the desert schools. Meanwhile, the Utes will head to the Pacific Northwest to take on Washington State on Friday, Oct. 13, at 7:00 p.m. MDT.
