Vikings Volleyball: One wish

by J. Logue, Vanguard staff

After two thrilling games in Cheney, Wash., the dust has finally cleared and the teams have been decided for the championship game.

With both games going extra sets and the latter going five sets, Portland State and Northern Colorado have emerged as the top contenders for the Big Sky Tournament Championship and still have the opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament.

Despite strong pushes in each match by their opponent, the Vikings and Bears were able to hold off their respective teams and grab the win in semi-convincing fashion. 

Read more after the jump.

Taking little positives away from their game, the Vikings had trouble getting their offense going and turned in a lowly .138 hitting--their worst since playing Washington earlier this year. However, Portland State did perform like a playoff team and had inspired play on defense with 15 blocks on the night.

"I think we were shell-shocked for a little bit, said head coach Michael Seemann. "But we got contributions from Lindsey Steele once again and she got us out of a few holes. Whitney took some big swings when we needed it and I think our blocking also improved as the match went on and that was a big key for us."

With the championship game coming tonight, the Vikings should have there hands full with a Northern Colorado team that has bested them once already this year and possesses the players to match up with them across the net as well.

Taking a look at the numbers it’s easy to tell how the winning team will get it done tonight. 

In there last two matches this season, the winning team has always hit above .200, while the losing team hit under .200. Even more telling is that the winning team both times has out dug the other making this final game more about the defensive end and less about the offensive--Portland State's calling card thus far.

One thing is for sure: With neither team able to rest on there past successes, both teams will be ready and equally as confident in their abilities against the other. In what should be the game of the season, you count on the winner being the one who outlasted the other, both physically and mentally.

Note: Coverage for tonight's game is again available at www.goviks.com in the Live Events tab on the home page.