Portland Pilots defeat Seattle U in five-set volleyball match
Portland Pilots volleyball defeated Seattle U in a five-set match (24-26, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 15-4) in Portland, Oregon, recording more than 10 individual career highs while securing their best start through 17 matches since 2018.
The five-set victory pushes the Pilots’ record to a strong opening stretch reminiscent of their 2018 campaign when the squad started 13-4. Kala Chock led both teams with 20 kills, setting a strong offensive tone for a roster that distributed career-best performances across multiple statistical categories.
How the Five-Set Match Unfolded Set by Set
Seattle U claimed a tight opening set 26-24 after capitalizing on late mistakes, despite Chock recording five kills and Ellie Diehl Palmer adding four. Noelani Hoeft handed out 14 assists in the first frame alone to direct the offense, while Amiyah Eason anchored the back row with six digs.
Portland responded in the second set by turning a four-point deficit into a three-point lead during a crucial seven-point run. Chock put down six kills in the frame, and Hoeft added 11 assists as the Pilots leveled the match with a 25-21 win.
Middle blocker Taina Kaauwai took over the third set with eight kills, a match-high across all five stanzas. Hoeft matched her previous output with 11 assists, and Ava Lilo tallied three service aces to help Portland secure a 25-19 victory and take a two-sets-to-one advantage.
Seattle U forced a decisive fifth set by claiming the fourth 25-19, fueled by a pushback that erased an early five-point Portland lead. Chock added five kills and Kaauwai chipped in four, but the visitors did enough to level the score.
The final set proved lopsided as Portland cruised 15-4 to seal the match. Haddock contributed three kills and Lila Krall added two, while Jeryn Hildenbrand served up two aces to put the match out of reach.
Individual Milestones and Upcoming Schedule
The box score reflected widespread career milestones across the roster. Four players recorded or tied career highs in service aces: Vanessa Haddock, Jeryn Hildenbrand, Ava Lilo, and Callie Pieper. Three players notched career highs in blocks, including Chock, Shaylee Stephen, and Pieper. Kaauwai set a new personal best with 17 kills and a .560 hitting percentage, while Chock also established a new personal high in kills alongside her match-leading total. Hildenbrand and Lilo matched or set new benchmarks in digs.
The Pilots return to the court on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:00 PM to host the Loyola Marymount Lions at the Chiles Center in Portland.