Tough task awaits OSU volleyball

With time running out to make a move in the Pac-12 standings, the Oregon State University volleyball team must regroup in a hurry to have their postseason desires fulfilled.

The Beavers lost both matches over the weekend as they were swept in three sets by both Arizona and Arizona State University.

Oregon State struggled defensively and failed to block at their usual rate of 2.4 blocks per set, tallying only four blocks total over the weekend.

"We played well in the beginning of each match against Arizona and Arizona State," said head coach Terry Liskevych. "I think part of it is still learning that you've got to play the entire match, the entire game, the entire rally."

Consistency throughout an entire match will be key for the Beavers as they wrap up the final three weeks of Pac-12 play.

Unfortunately for Oregon State those three weeks consist of playing all ranked opponents, including matches against the No. 1, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 teams in the nation.

They begin that stretch this weekend hosting No. 4 University of Southern California and top-ranked UCLA.

"We just really have to go after these two teams," Liskevych said. "They're good, both of them are very similar in that they have great attacking and great ball control."

The Beavers had a tough time earlier in the season against both schools. They were swept in three sets by both the Bruins and Trojans, while failing to register more than 17 points in any of the six sets they played.

"We just need to get more aggressive and contest every rally in a game," Liskevych said.

Oregon State has a David vs. Goliath task in front of them as USC is powered by three senior All-Americans in outside hitter Alex Jupiter, setter Kendall Bateman and middle blocker Lauren Williams.

"We have to disrupt them make sure we serve the ball tough, block them and dig balls that are right at us," Liskevych said.

The squad has a steep mountain to climb to reach the NCAA tournament but still maintain the belief they can get there.

"We know that our backs are against the wall, let's see what happens," Liskevych said.

Scott Campbell, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com