The No. 25 UC Santa Barbara Women’s Volleyball team (21-3) concluded this weekend of action in Fullerton, California as they took on the Titans of Cal State Fullerton. In just three sets, the Gauchos secured victory against the Titans (25-18, 25-22, 25-16).
FROM HEAD COACH MATT JONES
“The team bounced back well with a clean, solid win. We did a great job from the service line and that made our defensive work easier. We had a couple of sloppy moments, but overall, I’m proud to see us dial in after a tough loss.”
HOW IT HAPPENED
From the start of the first set, the Gauchos were in control. It starts with a service that is run from Briana McKnight HISTORY Michelle Zhao He followed, giving the Gauchos an early 8-4 lead. They didn’t stop there. Last night’s loss motivated Santa Barbara until the end of this first set when the Gauchos defeated the Titans in the first set, 25-18.
When the second set began, the Gauchos continued their quest for victory with a 6-1 run to start the second set. This gives UC Santa Barbara the cushion they need to stay on top. Even with Cal State Fullerton pushing back, the Gauchos ended this set on top with a score of 25-22.
UC Santa Barbara is unstoppable from here. The offense shined for its most efficient offensive performance of the game as the team combined to hit at a .333 clip to take an early, dominant lead over the Titans. The Gauchos continued to pressure their opponent, giving them no chance to come back as Santa Barbara took the third and final set, 25-16.
LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS
-
- Michelle Ohwobete led all players on the court today in kills as he finished the match with 13. Not only that, but he also put down eight digs and an ace.
-
- Grace Wuischpard had a successful outing for the Gauchos. She hit at a .385 clip, getting six kills and just one error on 13 swings. Along with that, he contributed three blocks.
-
- Macall Peed had a wonderful afternoon in the back row. She finished today’s match with 18 digs in just three sets while adding two aces.
-
- Grace McIntosh and Zhao set up the offense for the Gauchos. McIntosh finished his time at Fullerton with 15 assists along with 10 digs and three aces while Zhao contributed 12 assists, eight digs and three aces.
NEXT
The Gauchos will continue this rivalry on the road in San Luis Obispo as the Gauchos face the Cal Poly Mustangs for the second leg of the Blue-Green Rivalry. First serve is at 7 p.m. with a live stream via ESPN+.
