The No. 21 Oregon Ducks fell to the No. 2 Washington Huskies 3-1 on Friday night at Matt Knight Arena. The Ducks battled back and forth but ultimately dropped the first and second sets 23-25 and 19-25 respectively. Not going down without a fight, the Ducks rallied to take home the third set in extra points, taking down the Huskies 31-29. The Huskies, however, took over the game defensively and recorded block after block to take down the Ducks in the final set 25-8.
Washington junior outside hitter Krista Vansant (16) attempts a hit between Oregon sophomore outside hitter Martenne Bettendorf (18) and Oregon freshman middle blocker Kacey Nady (9). (Nate Barrett/Emerald)
Sophomore defensive specialist Tatum Norton (17) launches herself forward in an attempt to save the ball. (Nate Barrett/Emerald)
The No. 21 Oregon Ducks celebrate after taking the third set 31-29 and tally the game at 1-2 Washington’s lead. (Nate Barrett/Emerald)
University of Oregon freshmen Mikayla Cruz-Nicklas, left, and Sarah Zajac, center, hang out with Puddles during the volleyball game. On Friday night the No. 21 Ducks hosted the No. 2 Washington Huskies at Matthew Knight Arena. (Dominic Allen/Emerald)
Oregon sophomore outside hitter Martenne Bettendorf (18) attempts a hit past Washington junior outside hitter Kaleigh Nelson (6). (Nate Barrett/Emerald)
Oregon sophomore outside hitter Martenne Bettendorf (18) tosses a hand-held volleyball to fans sitting court-side. (Nate Barrett/Emerald)
Oregon Ducks head coach Jim Moore yells instructions to an Oregon player. (Nate Barrett/Emerald)
Oregon sophomore outside hitter Canace Finley (5) attempts to spike the ball past Washington sophomores middle blocker Melanie Wade (5) and outside hitter Cassie Strickland (8). (Nate Barrett/Emerald)
Oregon junior outside hitter Liz Brenner (6) celebrate with Oregon senior middle blocker Ariana Williams (7) after successfully recording a kill. (Nate Barrett/Emerald)
Oregon junior outside hitter Ariana Williams (7) is given the ball to serve for the Oregon Ducks after they score a point. (Nate Barrett/Emerald)
The No. 21 Oregon Ducks take on the No. 2 Washington Huskies at Matt Knight Arena on Friday, September 27, 2013. (Nate Barrett/Emerald)