Women clinch Big Sky title

PSU defeats Montana State in Big Sky Championship

The Portland State women’s basketball team is the newly crowned champion of the Big Sky Conference.

The Vikings defeated Montana State, 62–58, yesterday in Cheney, Wash., to win their first-ever Big Sky title, and with it the conference’s automatic berth in the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

Saturday saw several firsts. In addition to setting up PSU’s first NCAA Tournament appearance, it was the first time in Big Sky history that two quarterfinalists met in the championship game, and as the No. 5 seed, the Vikings became the lowest seeded team to ever win the conference tournament.

Photo courtesy Portland State Athletics Department

 

“We did it the hard way, but we did it,” head coach Sherri Murrell said in a television interview after the game.

Not only will her team be competing in the NCAA Division I Tournament for the first time, but this will also mark Murrell’s first time in the Big Dance.

“To be a part of history is something very special. It means a lot to the players who have battled hard,” she said. “It took me 20 years of my career to do it, so I’m pretty happy.”

Senior guard Claire Faucher, the Tournament MVP, broke the conference and school records in both three-pointers attempted and three-pointers made when she shot 8 for 16 from behind the arc.

Vikings Volleyball: Battle Tested – Battle Ready

by J. Logue, Vanguard staff

As the night begins to set in over Spokane, I can barely contain my excitement. While everyone walks around doing their holiday shopping, I know there is a battle that is about to take place right outside town.

Crossing paths with head coach Michael Seemann today, I could feel his intensity and it was clear he was ready to play. Speaking on last night, he noted how Montana brought an intensity that caught the Vikings off guard. 

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.

Vikings Volleyball: Ready and Focused

by J. Logue, Vanguard staff

With the first game of the conference tournament looming, the Vikings are keeping an even keel. Despite playing in front of what should be a mostly hostile crowd, the Portland State women's volleyball team appears to be ready for whatever the Big Sky Tournament has in store for them.

Considering the last two years, it’s hard to argue with them.

Playing in the Big Sky postseason in every year head coach Michael Seeman has been at the helm, the Vikings have enjoyed their time in the tournament.