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PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland State volleyball team couldn't capitalize on the momentum it earned in a close, 3-2 loss to Cal Friday night, as the Vikings fell 3-0 to Gonzaga Saturday afternoon in the final match of the Les Schwab West Coast Challenge.
 
The Vikings lost to a worthy opponent, however, as the Bulldogs (3-5) won their third match of the tournament, as they went 3-0 on the weekend with wins over Cal and Fresno State to go with their win over the Vikings (1-8) Saturday.
 
The Bulldogs outhit the Vikings .354-to-.066 in the match, and finished with nine service aces in the match to none for the Vikings.
 
The Vikings couldn't match Gonzaga's level in the first two sets, as the Bulldogs were hitting .400 at the end of the second set while going up 2-0 via scores of 25-11 and 25-10.
 
The Vikings raised their level coming out of the break in the third set, as they ran out to a 6-1 lead early. The Bulldogs got back within one at 10-9, but back-to-back kills from Whitney Turner and Peyton McBride put the Vikings back up three at 12-9.
 
McBride put the Vikings up three again at 14-11 with her fourth kill of the third set, while Turner and senior Jenna Mullen teamed up for a block to put the Vikings up 17-14 a few points later.
 
Gonzaga raised its level from there, however, winning seven of the next eight points to go up 21-18. McBride ended the Bulldogs' run with her fifth kill of the set to make it 21-19, and then followed it up with her sixth kill two points later to make it 22-20.
 
The Bulldogs ended the match with three straight points from there, finishing it with a kill from Peighton De Von.
 
McBride led the Vikings with nine kills in the match, while she also tied freshman Mackenzie Sullivan for the team lead in digs with nine. Mullen added seven kills, while sophomore Maddy Reeb finished with 19 assists.
 
The Vikings head out on the road next weekend, as they play at the Colorado Classic, Sept. 14-15. The Vikings will open the tournament against the host Buffaloes at 7 p.m. (MT) on Sept. 14.
 
Match Notes: The Vikings fall to 11-9 all-time against the Bulldogs with Friday's loss…The Vikings played three straight tournaments at home, ending with the Les Schwab West Coast Challenge…The Vikings will next play at home on Sept. 27, when they host Northern Arizona at 7 p.m.