In the second match of the Vert Challenge in Gainesville, Florida, No. 18 Oregon fell short against No. 1 Texas 3-1 on Saturday, moving their record to 1-1.

Oregon finished the match with 56 kills and a .159 hitting percentage whereas the Longhorns had 44 total kills with a .209 percentage.

Although Texas took the lead early in the first set, Oregon was able to pull through a 25-23 win with sophomore Lindsey Vander Weide’s set point kill.

Oregon and Texas started the second set neck-and-neck. Texas’ big hitters, freshman Lexi Sun and sophomore Micaya White, were key contributors in the win. Sun finished with 14 kills and White with six. Although Oregon freshman Brooke Van Sickle’s tip helped the Ducks tie the set 16-16, the Ducks fell short to Texas 22-25.

An early advantage in set three for Texas made Oregon step up and tie the set at 10-10. Following sophomore Willow Johnson’s two consecutive kills, Texas called a timeout. Then Sun’s kill put the Longhorns up 12-13. Oregon pushed to close the gap but fell short with junior Morgan Johnson’s match point kill, giving the Longhorns a second victory in the third set 22-25.

Oregon built a five-point lead in the beginning of the fourth set due to Vander Weide’s three kills and junior Taylor Agost’s two kills. Both teams had back-to-back rallies, however, Texas moved past the 21-21 tie. Following Oregon’s timeout, Texas took home a 23-25 victory with senior Chiaka Ogbogu’s match kill.

Despite ending the Vert Challenge with a 1-1 record, the Ducks will look forward to the Oregon Classic on August 31. Oregon begins the tournament playing against University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at Matt Knight arena at 7 p.m.

Follow Daphne Martin @daaphnemartin

The post Ducks fall to No. 1 Texas 3-1 in second game of Vert Challenge appeared first on Emerald Media.

No. 18 Oregon opened its 2017 volleyball season with a resounding 3-1 victory over No. 5 Nebraska on Friday in the opening match of the Vert Challenge in Gainesville, Florida. In head coach Matt Ulmer’s first game at the helm, Oregon records its first win over a top-five team since 2012.

The Ducks and the Huskers kept the game close throughout the four-game series. Oregon finished the game with 62 kills and an overall .222 hitting percentage, while Nebraska finished with 54 kills and a .174 percentage.

With Oregon down 2-10 in the first set, Ulmer called two timeouts that seemed to change the Ducks’ performance. They made a quick comeback with a Lindsey Vander Weide come back kill and tied the game up 14-14.

Nebraska’s Jazz Sweet, who led the Husker’s offense with 8 kills and a .500 hitting percentage, tied the game up at 15-15. But Oregon was able to sneak past Nebraska’s to take the first set 25-20.

Oregon’s defense played a significant part in their success over the Huskers. Junior Sumeet Gill led the team with seven blocks, while Willow Johnson, Vander Weide and Ronika Stone each had three.

After losing the first set, Nebraska maintained their intensity with a closely-contested second set. With Oregon missing outside hitter Jolie Rasmussen due to an ankle injury, they had to keep up the consistency with their hitting. That’s exactly what they did: Oregon managed to take the second set 25-21 to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

Oregon took the lead in the beginning of the third set with Nebraska not far behind. The Huskers inevitably took the tightly-contested third set 26-24 to send the game to a fourth set.

The fourth set proved to be more of the same competitive play from both sides. But Oregon began to pull away as they hit the 20-point mark. Nebraska rallied to within one point but a flurry of points from the Ducks clinched the victory, 25-23.

With a 1-0 record under their belt, the Ducks will face No. 1 Texas tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. in the second game of the Vert Challenge.

Follow Daphne Martin on Twitter @daaphnemaartin

The post No. 18 Oregon upsets No. 5 Nebraska 3-1 in season opener appeared first on Emerald Media.

Coming out of a transitional offseason, Oregon volleyball is eager and excited going into the 2017 season.

“This is the closest team I’ve ever been on,” said  junior Lindsey Vander Weide. “On and off the court we have great chemistry and I think it’s something that’ll really show on the court because great chemistry comes into great plays.”

Solid chemistry between the coaches and players was interim head coach Matt Ulmer’s focus during the offseason.

A letter written by six ex-Oregon volleyball players and addressed to President Michael Schill and University of Oregon’s athletic directors accused former coaches Jim Moore and Stacy Metro of mistreatment and mental abuse.

Moore and Metro were fired in March, and assistant coach Matt Ulmer was named interim head coach. Ulmer made the decision to have Ron Beick and Dave Butler join the staff as assistant coaches shortly after.

“I’m excited to see how I can make us better,” he said. “I would really like for us to be fearless and go hard against good competition.”

Ulmer spent his first two seasons at Oregon as an assistant coach where he mentored three All-American selections:  former libero Amanda Benson, outside hitter Vander Weide, and middle blocker Ronika Stone. In 2012, he was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches association for the “Thirty Under 30” award where he was one of 10 Division I coaches recognized for being an “outstanding up-and-coming coach.”

Ulmer’s experience as an assistant coach for the last several years benefitted the transformation of the team as they spent the last couple months building a new program. This has made it easier to form close bonds with both players and his coaching staff.

“I feel like it’s a really solid staff,” Beick said. “Each of us work well together. The players know we are focused on helping them have a great season in terms of emotional enjoyment and high-level competitiveness.”

Oregon has run fast offenses in the past, and Ulmer looks to continue to use speed while also focusing on technical assets.

“I’m doing my best to integrate both old and new strategies and so far I think we’ve done a good job as far as seeing games from both sides of teaching,” he said. “There will be a few changes but I’m hoping that tactically they’ll put us in a better position with the strengths we have.”

Replacing key players such as Benson is a job that will take the entire team to work together to achieve, but for junior Lindsey Vander Weide, it’s a responsibility she’s willing to take on.

“I’m going to have to take on a big role replacing Amanda Benson and take control in the back of the court,” Vander Weide said. “She’s been preparing me for two years to take on this role, so I’m excited for it.”

The solid chemistry amongst Oregon volleyball players will be of note in the beginning of the season. As senior Taylor Agost looks forward to her last season as a Duck, she emphasized how positive the overall atmosphere feels.

“The feeling inside this area while we’re practicing feels really good. Coach Ulmer is on us a lot, but it’s very positive like constructive criticism,” Agost said. “It gives us the confidence to know he’s behind us and supports us. We trust him, he trusts us. We think it’ll be a great experience.”

Oregon will play No. 5 Nebraska Friday, August 25, at 2 p.m., and No. 1 Texas Saturday, August 26. at 4:30 p.m. in Gainesville, Florida.

Follow Daphne Martin on Twitter @daaphnemartin

The post After a troublesome offseason, volleyball is ready for its team chemistry to take it to the top appeared first on Emerald Media.

Head coach Willie Taggart asked sophomore Brenden Schooler to transition from defensive back to wide receiver during last week’s practice.

Schooler’s response?

“Alright, bring on the challenge.”

Schooler finished last season as third on the team in tackles with 74 total tackles, which ranked in the top-10 in the nation for freshmen. He also led the Ducks with four interceptions.

So why would Taggart want Schooler to move to offense?

Oregon’s head coach wanted to see what Schooler was capable of on the offensive side, so during practice Taggart let him run a route the day before making the transition.

The next day Schooler walked into practice with a white jersey, confirming his new position. With a young team of wide receivers, Schooler will add strength to the group, and his previous experience at the position will be beneficial for the Ducks.

“Looking for a receiver, he has some size,” Taggart said. “He has great ball skills and can run all day. Now it’s just mastering the position and understanding the plays, but I think he’ll do a really good job.”

Brenden Schooler (26) waits hit turn to line-up at wide receiver during a drill. The sophomore recently converted from safety. August 8, 2017. (Jack Butler/Emerald)

His speed, size, and agility are definite advantages to what Oregon’s wide receivers need to advance in the early season.

“We felt like putting Schooler over there will help the team,” Taggart said. “I’m excited to see him continue to grow in that position and see how the Herbert – Schooler combination will help us.”

Schooler spent three years as a wide receiver during his time at Mission Viejo High School in California, which means the transition will be easy to adjust to.

“I’m really excited to play receiver this year.” he said. “I thought my first day went pretty well. I was getting help with the routes, but I’m starting to pick up on it pretty quickly.”

As an athlete in both football and track in high school, Schooler earned first-team California Large School all-state, first-team all-Orange County, as well as being named the CIF Southern Section West Valley Defensive MVP. As an athlete in both football and track he can use his speed to continually progress at the collegiate level.

“He is super athletic and really good at both sides,” quarterback Justin Herbert said. “I’m glad to have him on our side of the ball.”

Now that the Ducks are looking to keep Schooler on the offensive side, he sees his understanding of defensive strategy as an advantage. Playing against the guys he worked with last year is something Schooler sees as a benefit.

“They are only going to make me better, and I want to make them better,” he said. “I’m going to give it all I got and they are going to do the same thing for me.”

Follow Daphne Martin on Twitter @daaphnemartin

The post Brenden Schooler is ready to take on the challenges of a new position appeared first on Emerald Media.

Oregon’s linebackers will be worth watching throughout the fall, especially with Jim Leavitt’s defensive expertise.

Leading in tackles and sacks as a freshman in the 2016 season, sophomore Troy Dye seems to align well with the coaching staff and their drive for success this season.

Dye already has a strong relationship with head coach Willie Taggart.

“You can go talk to him; you can go into his office and hang out with him,” Dye said. “At the end of the day you have to know your head coach, and as long as you’re having fun with him you know it’s going to be a good year.”

Key linebackers include Dye, La’Mar Winston Jr., Jimmie Swain, and A.J. Hotchkins.

Winston Jr., a recruit from Central Catholic, transitioned from inside to outside linebacker his freshman year, and it appears he will go into the 2017 season remaining on the outside. Despite only playing in 11 of last year’s games with five tackles, Winston Jr. was rated the number eight athlete in the nation by rivals.com. This is only one of many examples as to why Winston Jr. will be one to watch.

Finishing the 2016 season as Oregon’s second-leading tackler with a career-high of 13 tackles against Arizona State, sophomore Jimmie Swain boosts the linebacker depth, which is what the Ducks have been missing following last season’s struggle with injuries.

A.J. Hotchkins is an undersized but strong middle linebacker who provides some age to the group. The senior shined in the spring game with seven solo tackles, and after starting in four games last season he is ready for a permanent starting role.

With Dye’s leadership, the defensive second line is expected to be much stronger this season.

Projected Depth Chart:

OLB: Jimmie Swain, Sr., Jonah Moi, Sr.

ILB: Troy Dye, So., Kaulana Apelu, Jr.

ILB: A.J. Hotchkins, Sr., Isaac Slade-Matautia, Fr.

OLB: Justin Hollins, Jr., La”Mar Winston, Jr.

Follow Daphne Martin on Twitter @daaphnemartin

The post Linebacker Preview: A now experienced unit could be Oregon’s most improved appeared first on Emerald Media.

Oregon’s linebackers will be worth watching throughout the fall, especially with Jim Leavitt’s defensive expertise.

Leading in tackles and sacks as a freshman in the 2016 season, sophomore Troy Dye seems to align well with the coaching staff and their drive for success this season.

Dye already has a strong relationship with head coach Willie Taggart.

“You can go talk to him; you can go into his office and hang out with him,” Dye said. “At the end of the day you have to know your head coach, and as long as you’re having fun with him you know it’s going to be a good year.”

Key linebackers include Dye, La’Mar Winston Jr., Jimmie Swain, and A.J. Hotchkins.

Winston Jr., a recruit from Central Catholic, transitioned from inside to outside linebacker his freshman year, and it appears he will go into the 2017 season remaining on the outside. Despite only playing in 11 of last year’s games with five tackles, Winston Jr. was rated the number eight athlete in the nation by rivals.com. This is only one of many examples as to why Winston Jr. will be one to watch.

Finishing the 2016 season as Oregon’s second-leading tackler with a career-high of 13 tackles against Arizona State, sophomore Jimmie Swain boosts the linebacker depth, which is what the Ducks have been missing following last season’s struggle with injuries.

A.J. Hotchkins is an undersized but strong middle linebacker who provides some age to the group. The senior shined in the spring game with seven solo tackles, and after starting in four games last season he is ready for a permanent starting role.

With Dye’s leadership, the defensive second line is expected to be much stronger this season.

Projected Depth Chart:

OLB: Jimmie Swain, Sr., Jonah Moi, Sr.

ILB: Troy Dye, So., Kaulana Apelu, Jr.

ILB: A.J. Hotchkins, Sr., Isaac Slade-Matautia, Fr.

OLB: Justin Hollins, Jr., La”Mar Winston, Jr.

Follow Daphne Martin on Twitter @daaphnemartin

The post Linebacker Preview: A now experienced unit could be Oregon’s most improved appeared first on Emerald Media.

The Eugene Emeralds (9-5) swept their three-game series against the Hillsboro Hops (6-8) with an 8-3 victory on Wednesday night.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the third, Aramis Ademan drove in two runs with a line drive double to right field. A double from Miguel Amaya gave the Emeralds two more runs with Gustavo Polanco’s single sending Amaya to home plate giving the Emeralds a commanding 6-1 lead.

Aggressive base running was an important part of the Emerald’s success. They finished with four steals.

“You have to take every opportunity,” said Emerald’s manager Jesus Filiciano. “If they are giving us a chance we gotta go for it. We scored four bases tonight and that’s the way we want them to play — to be aggressive, smart, and at the same time try to get that extra base first to third.”

The Hops scored one run in the third inning, but fell short of another run after a third-out catch was made by Davis in the outfield with bases loaded. Then the Emeralds made their offensive explosion.

Zach Davis’ .400 hitting percentage with two homers made him the player to watch in the Emerald’s series against Hillsboro. Filiciano mentioned how Davis’ transition from a right-handed to left-handed hitter is helping his performance.

“He’s been working really hard to get where he’s at right now,” Filiciano said. “He’s learning how to hit left-handed because of his speed, and if he hits left handed this will help him a lot.”

Ademan added an extra run, keeping the Emeralds ahead 7-1 in the fifth inning by hitting a line drive to left field which led Davis home.

Hillsboro’s Yan Sanchez started out the Hops’ seventh inning with a line drive down center field. With the help of Camden Duzenack’s bunt, Sanchez made it to second and in the next play. Pavin Smith drove in two runs for the Hops with a double sending both Duzenack and Sanchez home.

The Ems were able to pick up one more run to finish off the series with Davis’ single, scoring Tolly Filotei.

The Ems will play the first of a five-game series against Vancouver 7 p.m. Thursday at PK Park, looking to keep up the intensity of their base-running strategy and bring home another series victory.

Follow Daphne Martin on Twitter @daaphnemaartin

The post Emeralds earn series sweep over Hillsboro with an 8-3 victory appeared first on Emerald Media.