Sept. 12, 2010
Final Stats
The Siena volleyball team has lost seven of its first eight matches, but there is reason to believe the future will be a whole lot brighter. The Saints fell in straight sets (25-18, 25-16 and 25-18) to No. 19 Oregon Sunday in Eugene, completing a grueling early season non-league schedule with a solid team performance.
Freshman Taylor Akana was named to the All-Tournament Team after registering nine kills and nine digs against the Ducks. She was also named to the All-Tournament Team at the Texas A&M Invitational earlier this season.
The Saints (1-7) again played without their top offensive threat, senior captain Aubrey Bobo, who has not seen the court since the opening match of the season when she suffered a concussion.
Siena stayed within striking distance of the undefeated, nationally-ranked Ducks for much of the afternoon. They fought back in the first set and trailed just 21-17 before Oregon (8-0) closed on a 4-1 run. In the second set, Sarah Sivertson brought the Saints to 17-14 with a kill that capped off a 3-0 run, and Oregon led just 9-8 in the third set before using a 9-1 run to put the match away.
The Saints defense was much improved from Saturday's disappointing showing against American. Libero Lesli Akeo led all players with 21 digs, again demonstrating she can play defense against anybody.
The Tournament's Most Valuable Player, Katherine Fischer, paced Oregon with 14 kills, 12 digs and four blocks.
Siena's attention now shifts to MAAC play. The Saints open their conference and home season Saturday at 2 p.m. against rival Canisius. The tests they have faced so far should have them well prepared for league play, especially if they are at full health.
