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.

Fradella earns fifth Player of the Week

For the second straight week, Vikings' setter Nique Fradella has been chosen as the Big Sky Player of the Week.

Press release, take it away:

Portland State’s Nique Fradella has claimed her second straight Big Sky Player of the Week award for matches played the week of Sept. 7-14.

The Vikings won the Circus Circus Invitational in Reno, Nev. last week and Fradella was tabbed the MVP after notching 11.00 assists per set, and hitting .429 over the tournament. Portland State defeated Sam Houston State, UC Davis and host Nevada to take home the title. Earlier in the week, the Vikings took No. 12 Oregon to four sets before falling on the Ducks’ homecourts.

The senior setter notched 151 total assists, 28 digs and seven blocks on the week. She averaged 10.07 assists and 1.87 digs per set. In a 3-1 win over UC Davis on Saturday afternoon, Fradella recorded her third double-double of the season with 43 assists and 10 digs. She connected on 5-of-7 attempts for a .571 hitting percentage, and added three blocks and two service aces.

Fradella followed that up with 46 assists on Saturday evening as Portland State closed out the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Nevada. She started the week with 30 assists against Oregon. On Friday, she had 32 assists, two blocks and five kills as Portland State shut out Sam Houston State.

The native of Lake Arrowheard, Calif. has won the weekly award five times in her career. She was also honored twice in 2007 and once as a freshman in 2006.

Autumn L. Wehr
Big Sky Conference