The Ducks (11-3 overall, 1-2 Pacific-10 Conference) got their first Pac-10 win tonight, with a brilliant 3-1 victory over the UCLA Bruins. After UCLA tied the match at 1-1, Oregon won the final two sets by scores of 25-17 and 25-21. Led by senior Sonja Newcombe, Oregon led much of the way and out hit the Bruins .278 to .205.
Newcombe was without a doubt the player of the match. She was the emotional leader, yelling after every Duck point, and her attacks screamed at the Bruins. Although she didn’t have the most kills at 19- that went to All-American Gorana Maricic with 22- Newcombe combined 18 digs and 6 blocks as well.
The announced crowd at McArthur Court was 1,626, and it was the second time in as many years that UCLA has left Eugene with a loss.
The Ducks are back in action tomorrow night against the No. 4 USC, who played at Oregon State. The first serve is at 7 p.m.