CHENEY, Wash. – The Eastern Washington University volleyball team played host to Portland State on Thursday evening (Oct.19). The Eagles were unable to claim a set from the Vikings as they fell 3-0.
 
With the first set tied 3-3, the Eagles went on a 4-0 run to open up a 7-3 lead over the Vikings. The two teams then went point-for-point, with neither side able to break away. Eastern held a 19-18 lead when Portland State fired off four straight points to lead 22-19. The Eagles were able to tack on two more points towards the end of the first set, but it wasn't enough as the Vikings took set one 25-22. Eastern hit .229 and recorded 15 kills in the opening set, but it was no match for the Vikings' .324 clip with 16 kills and only five errors.
 
Both sides remained even in the second set, until PSU broke through with a 5-0 run to lead 16-9. Another run later in the set put them up 21-11 and the Eagles could not come back, falling 25-14.
 
Eastern could never quite find their footing in the third set, as Portland State strung together consecutive points to top EWU 25-14 and took the match 3-0.
 
WIN-LOSS RECORDS: With the loss, the Eagles drop to 6-12 on the year and 3-6 in Big Sky play. Portland State improves to 16-5 overall and 6-3 in the conference. PSU's win now ties the all-time series 27-27.
 
TOP PERFORMERS: For the first time this season, Megan LaFond led the team with eight kills. Regan Harr (14) and Emma Dunn (12) led the team in assists, while Harr led the team with nine digs. Chloe Weber paced the team with four blocks.
 
KEY STATS: Portland State hit at a .317 clip and limited the Eagles to a .087 hitting percentage. The Vikings were also able to record three service aces and EWU had none. PSU had 44 kills to Eastern's 32.
 
UP NEXT: Eastern now sets its sights to Sacramento State on Saturday, Oct. 21. The Hornets are currently undefeated in the Big Sky. First serve is set for 2 p.m. and admission is complimentary.