SALEM, Ore.  – It was an historic day for the Bushnell Beach Volleyball team on Saturday as they took down an NCAA Division I opponent for the first time in a double-header split with the University of Portland.  
 
Head Coach Kim Elgarico said, "Playing tough teams always gives us opportunity for growth. It was really cool seeing that growth play out live from our first duel to the second. We can't always promise a win but we can guarantee a fight for every point."
 
A dramatically close fight in the opening 4-1 loss gave Bushnell the confidence they needed as they claimed a 3-2 win in the night cap. The first session saw three different pairs go to three sets. At No. 3, Brooke Silvernail and Jadeya Hayes won the first set 21-7 and after dropping the second, battled to a 20-18 decision in the third set.
 
The Beacon pair of Makenna Northern and Logan Kaneshiro were the biggest winners on the day for Bushnell as they defeated two different opponents at the No. 1 pair slot, sweeping both. Kaneshiro said, "Today it was obvious that our team dynamic allowed us to be comfortable even in the most challenging situations. I think we all continue to do a great job adapting and using new skills against very capable opponents."
 
Another big win came from Halle Neumann and Laci Jesperson at the No. 4 pair. After falling in three sets in the opener, the duo swept their opponents in the victory including a 22-20 win in the closer. "I am so proud of our team's resilience and our win today," said Neumann. "Although we lost the first dual, we came back stronger and had a solid win. We played smart and aggressive, with positive attitudes throughout. Beating a DI team is a huge step for us and was a great start to the last half of the season."
 
University of Portland 4, Bushnell University 1
 
1. Logan Kaneshiro/Mekenna Northern (BUSH) def. Jayde Harris/Grace Zilbert (POR): 22-20, 21-14
2. Noelani Helm/Annika Stammberger (POR) def. Roslyn McLellan/Madi Trueblood (BUSH): 21-15, 21-8
3. Brodie Baker/Taylor Helle (POR) def. Jade Hayes/Brooke Silvernail (BUSH): 7-21, 21-18, 20-18
4. Elin Larsson/Sophie Lee (POR) def. Laci Jespersen/Halle Neumann (BUSH): 21-15, 18-21, 15-13
5. Charity Bradley/Keilani Mumolo (POR) def. Abby Nelson/Anessa Stotts (BUSH): 21-14, 18-21, 15-12
Ex. Jordan Bardouche/Michela Strati (POR) def. Megan Netter/Mai Tomlin (BUSH): 21-14, 21-10
 
Order of finish: (2,4,1,5,3)
 
Bushnell University 3, University of Portland 2
 
1. Logan Kaneshiro/Mekenna Northern (BUSH) def. Noelani Helm/Annika Stammberger (POR): 21-18, 21-15
2. Jayde Harris/Grace Zilbert (POR) def. Roslyn McLellan/Madi Trueblood (BUSH): 21-11, 21-12
3. Jade Hayes/Brooke Silvernail (BUSH) def. Brodie Baker/Taylor Helle (POR): 22-20, 21-17
4. Laci Jespersen/Halle Neumann (BUSH) def. Elin Larsson/Sophie Lee (POR): 21-16, 22-20
5. Charity Bradley/Keilani Mumolo (POR) def. Abby Nelson/Anessa Stotts (BUSH): 21-16, 21-11
Ex. Jordan Bardouche/Michela Strati (POR) def. Megan Netter/Reagan Walker (BUSH): 17-21, 21-12, 15-11
 
Order of finish: (2,4,1,3,5)
 
The Beacons (4-3) head to Ashland on Sunday to take on Southern Oregon (2-3) at 3:00 pm.