Volleyball looking to net Ducks, Beavers

By Ben Miller

Oct 21, 2005, 12:00 AM

The second-ranked Washington women's volleyball squad completes the first half of their Pac-10 season with matches at Oregon and Oregon State this weekend. Last season, this road trip proved to be an unexpected test as the Beavers came five points away from upsetting the Huskies and handing them their first loss of the season. The UW -- which was ranked first in the nation at that time -- had to rally back from being down two games to none to take the match 3-2. "They're good, and they're better when we go on the road," coach Jim McLaughlin said about the Oregon schools. "If we keep improving and we stay focused, and we keep our attention where it's supposed to be, then we'll be okay. We're going to have to go up there and compete hard and play well." Washington (16-0 overall, 7-0 Pac-10) will play Oregon tonight at Mac Court followed by Oregon State tomorrow in Corvallis. The Ducks (10-8, 0-7) are still looking for their first win in conference play and have only won a single game against Pac-10 opponents. Mira Djuric and Kelly Russell lead the offensive unit for Oregon, posting 4.35 and 4.03 kills per game respectively. The Ducks' setting duties are by committee as both Heather Madison and Erika Bartuff are averaging more than six assists per game. Oregon State (6-7, 2-5) is off to a little better of a start in Pac-10 play than are their counterparts in Eugene, but not by a lot. The Beavers swept Oregon last weekend for just their second win in conference play. OSU has four players on offense who average more than two kills per game. Brittany Calhoun leads that group with 3.05 kills per game. While the competition is at a lesser level this week than it has been in the previous three, McLaughlin said the Huskies will still have to play hard. "I've always felt like you have to have confidence week to week, and it's confidence in the week's preparation ahead that prepares you," he said. "The two wins last week [over USC and UCLA] will buy you a half cup of coffee down in Oregon."

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