PORTLAND STATE VOLLEYBALL – "BIGGEST IN THE SKY"

Under the guidance of Head Coach Michael Seemann, the Portland State volleyball program has become the "Biggest in the Sky." In three years under Seemann, Portland State has gone 62-25 overall and 38-10 in Big Sky Conference play.

The Vikings have won at least 20 games in all three seasons, and five straight overall, making them the premier team in the Big Sky. In 2007 and 2009, Portland State captured the conference regular season title, and in 2008 they won the conference tournament for the first time in school history. That propelled them on to the NCAA Division I Tournament, also a first for the Vikings.

On their home court inside the Peter W. Stott Center, Portland State has been nearly unbeatable the past five seasons, going 51-9. In Seemann's tenure alone, the Vikings have posted a 32-4 home record, and lost just twice in conference home contests. In 2007 and 2009, PSU went a perfect 8-0 at home in Big Sky matches.

Numerous players have brought home hardware for their accomplishments the past three seasons. 11 players have earned All-Big Sky recognition, including four first team picks. This past season, senior setter Nique Fradella was tabbed as the Big Sky Player of the Year and junior outside hitter Whitney Phillips was chosen as the conference's Top Newcomer.

A signature of the VIkings program under Seemann has been their defense. For three straight seasons PSU has led the Big Sky in opponent hitting percentage and ranked in the top two in blocks. In 2007, then-senior middle blocker Michelle Segun led the conference in blocks, averaging 1.71 per set. In 2009, it was senior middle blocker Erica Jepsen who led the Big Sky, averaging 1.50 per set. In all three seasons, the Vikings have had two players ranked in the top six in blocking.

Off the court the Vikings have excelled in the classroom, highlighted by four Academic All-District VIII honors. Leading the way has been Jepsen, who was a three-time selection, including twice being named to the first team.

As evidenced by the numbers above, it is clear to see that the Vikings volleyball program has indeed become the "Biggest in the Sky."

The Vikings celebrate the final point in their 3-0 win over Northern Colorado that gave them the 2009 Big Sky Conference regular season title.

Nique Fradella - 2009 Big Sky Conference MVP