LA GRANDE, Ore. – In a tightly contested top-five showdown, No. 5-ranked Southern Oregon University defeated No. 3-ranked Eastern Oregon University 3-2 (24-26, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-11) on Friday night at Quinn Coliseum. With the victory, the Raiders improved to 18-1 overall and 12-1 in CCC play, while the Mountaineers dropped to 18-2 overall and 10-2 in conference action. Both of Eastern Oregon's losses this season have come at the hands of Southern Oregon, who also beat them 3-1 in Ashland earlier this year.

The match featured intense rallies and a high level of play from both teams. After Eastern Oregon took the first set 26-24, Southern Oregon responded with a 25-17 win in the second set. The Mountaineers reclaimed the lead with a dramatic 28-26 third-set victory, but the Raiders forced a decisive fifth set with a 25-22 win in the fourth. In the final set, Southern Oregon held off a late EOU rally to secure the 15-11 victory.

Southern Oregon's Megan Perry led all players with 24 kills on a blistering .647 hitting percentage, while Marin Mackey contributed 19 kills and 9 digs. Vitoria Mattos guided the Raiders' attack with 37 assists, followed by Annie Hite with 25 assists. The Raiders hit .291 as a team, amassing 71 kills and 26 total blocks over the five sets.

For Eastern Oregon, Ashton Bales paced the offense with 18 kills on a .410 hitting percentage, and Emma Burlingame added 17 kills while hitting .282. Kiauna Mack chipped in with 13 kills and three blocks, while libero Hailey Arritola anchored the defense with 20 digs. Hailey Arritola and Hannah Ledgerwood combined for 56 assists. The Mountaineers hit .237 as a team, recording 64 kills and 14 blocks in the hard-fought loss.

Match Stats:

• Southern Oregon (Kills-Errors-Attempts): 71-23-165 (.291)
• Eastern Oregon (Kills-Errors-Attempts): 64-29-169 (.237)
• Southern Oregon Leaders: Megan Perry (24 kills, .647 hitting percentage), Marin Mackey (19 kills, 9 digs), Sadie Byrd (6 block assists)
• Eastern Oregon Leaders: Ashton Bales (18 kills, .410 hitting percentage), Emma Burlingame (17 kills), Hailey Arritola (20 digs), Kiauna Mack (13 kills, 3 blocks)

Eastern Oregon will look to bounce back as they continue CCC play tomorrow evening, hosting Oregon Tech at Quinn Coliseum. The match is set to begin at 5:00 p.m.