UC Santa Barbara men’s volleyball fought hard in a 3-0 loss on Wednesday, Feb. 25th, against the UC Los Angeles Bruins. The UC Santa Barbara men’s volleyball team is currently ranked No. 12 with an 8-6 overall record, while UC Los Angeles remains undefeated, ranked No. 1.
Courtesy of UCSB Athletics
This was a crucial match for UCSB; the last victory against UCLA was in early 2024. UCSB men’s volleyball played its only match against the No.1 team this season, preparing for its first Big West Conference match.
Extending two sets, the Gauchos were unable to break the winning streak of the UCLA men’s volleyball team, who have gone 13-0 so far this season and are ranked 1st in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Beginning with the opening set, UCLA began with a 5-1 lead over the Gauchos. Retaliating, the Gauchos were able to climb back into the game, reaching 12-14.
With built momentum, the Gauchos tied the set up at 16-16 with a team effort block by freshman middle blocker Dylan Pilkvist and sophomore outside hitter Ethan Saint. With the set neck and neck, the Gauchos were unable to pull it out, losing the set 23-25 from a kill by the Bruins.
Using the momentum from the end of the first set, the Gauchos led the beginning of the second set 6-2. With confidence built, sophomore outside hitter George Bruening hit a strong ace, leading the team to their largest lead of the game, 15-10.
Losing steam, UCLA closed in on the Gauchos, tying the set at 17-17. Trading points, UCLA led 24-23, but the Gauchos battled hard, tying the game 24-24. Devastatingly, the Bruins won 28-26 by an ace from UCLA junior middle blocker Christopher Hersh.
Continuing the battle, UCSB fought strongly in the third set, resulting in the longest set of the game, but was unable to close it out, losing 32-30.
Bruening led the team in kills with 16 and 7 digs, keeping the Gauchos in the game during the 3rd set. Notably, sophomore outside hitters Riggs Guy and Ethan Saint both contributed with 10 kills.
While their conference season hasn’t begun yet, the Big West Conference opening match for the Gauchos will take place on Friday, March 6 against the UC San Diego Tritons at 7 p.m. at the Thunderdome.
