PORTLAND, Ore. – The Multnomah University volleyball team almost avoided a sweep against 12^th-ranked Southern Oregon but couldn't hang on in the final set as they fell in three 25-15, 25-14, 25-22 on Saturday night in Jim Skagen Court.

With the win, the Raiders improve their record to 19-2 and 12-2 in Conference play while the loss moved the Lions to 2-15 overall on the year.

How it Happened: The Raiders jumped out to a quick three point lead in the opening set. With score at 8-5 in favor of Southern Oregon, a 10-1 by SOU gave them the first set, winning 25-15.

MU earned the first point in the second set but a key five point run quickly changed the advantage towards the Raiders. SOU used a .393 attacking percentage and a six point run to put away set two 25-14.

The Lions still had some fight left, having one of their best attacking percentages of the season in set three (.355). Down 20-11, MU outscored the Raiders 11-4 to come within two points of taking a set with the score at 24-22. A final key by SOU's Emma Gasman would give the match to the Raiders for good.

By the Numbers: Freshman Miranda Halverson had a stellar night, recording a match high 11 kills on a .450 attacking percentage. Freshman setter Marissa Rhodes record 25 assists on the night while freshman Devyn Sigurdson finished with 10 digs.

For the Raiders, setter Lauren McGowne tallied a match high 41 assists in helping her team to a combined .367 hitting percentage. Gasman led SOU in kills with 10 while Ashlyn Flynn totaled a match high 18 digs.

From the Coach: "I'm proud of the way the girls played tonight. " "Halverson hit really well for us and was consistent in the back row, and Sigurdson came up with some huge digs. Rhodes played smart tonight and they did a great job.

\Coming up Next: The Lions will head back on the road next week as they prepare to face off against No.7 Eastern Oregon and College of Idaho.