OSU wbxb
The Oregon State women’s basketball team began its preparation for the upcoming trip to Italy this week, when the Beavers opened practice at the OSU Basketball Center. “We’re really excited for this trip,” said junior Sydney Wiese. “We’ve been working so hard in the weight room and in training sessions, and now it’s almost here. I know we’re excited as a group to get out here, and we were excited to get practices started today.” The Beavers will continue preparation for the next two weeks, before departing for Italy on Tuesday Aug. 25. The trip will feature four games, along with numerous opportunities to explore the history and culture of Italy.
Preseason Pac-12 VB Poll
The Oregon volleyball team was picked to finish fourth in the 2015 Pac-12 Coaches’ Poll, Tuesday. Oregon accumulated a school record 94 points in a group that is very tightly contested at Nos. 2-4. Stanford was picked as the conference favorite with 121 points. Arizona State was picked second with 99 points, followed by Washington in third with 97 points. Oregon State was picked ninth (35 pts). The Ducks have either met or exceeded the Pac-12 coaches’ expectations in each of the last four seasons. The conference also released the Preseason All-Pac-12 Team which featured Oregon outside hitter Martenne Bettendorf and libero Amanda Benson. Bettendorf made the All-Pac-12 team in 2014 while leading the Ducks with 3.52 kills/set. Benson led the Ducks in digs each of the past two seasons and averaged 4.38/set last season. Oregon State’s Mary-Kate Marshall also made the list. Oregon will open the season Aug. 28 against Temple, but will host its first of two preseason exhibitions, Friday, Aug. 15 at Matthew Knight Arena beginning at 7 p.m. Admission and parking is free of charge. OSU will hold its Orange & Black Scrimmage on Friday, August 21, 7 p.m., in Corvallis.
