USC volleyball entered its match against Oregon looking to rebound from a two game losing-streak at home. On Oct. 3, No. 20 Indiana defeated USC in four sets, despite the Trojans dominating the opening set 25-15. The following day, USC fell again—this time to No. 12 Purdue—after a shaky start marked by multiple attack and service errors early in the first set.
The Ducks came into last night’s match against the Trojans with a 11-3 record after consecutive wins over Iowa and Ohio State, but USC was ready to break its slump. The Trojans came out with energy and focus, using a strong block, scrappy defense and aggressive serving to control the match.
Check out photos from Thursday’s action here:
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In the first set, USC jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Oregon tied the score at 10. After trading points, the Trojans went on a four-serve run and took over, closing out the set 25-18.
The second set stayed tight, with the teams keeping a three-point margin for most of the frame. A kill by redshirt sophomore outside hitter London Wijay put USC up 19-17, and a dominant serving run extended the lead to 22-17. The Trojans held on to take the set 25-21.
The third set opened just as closely, but once USC went ahead 14-11, the team never looked back. The Trojans maintained a lead, sealing the sweep with a 25-20 win.
After the match, emotions were high on both sides of the net. USC’s Wijay and Oregon’s freshman opposite hitter Alanah Clemente, longtime friends and former teammates, shared a special moment competing against each other.
“My favorite part of the match was playing against my best friend Alanah,” Wijay said. “She’s so incredible—it’s insane. I love playing her. She’s like my sister.”
Clemente shared her appreciation for her long-time friendship with Wijay as well.
“Playing her meant so much to me, and I miss her so much. I wish we could play together still,” she said.
The Trojans will head to Westwood to face UCLA at Pauley Pavilion on Oct. 11.