Junior Ben Pearson spikes the volleyball as teammates watch in anticipation. Courtesy of UCSB Men’s Volleyball

UC Santa Barbara men’s volleyball defeated California State University, Northridge Matadors in a 3-0 win on Thursday, April 2. The UC Santa Barbara men’s volleyball team is currently ranked No. 8 in The Big West Conference, while the California State University, Northridge team is ranked No. 18.

UCSB collects their third win in The Big West Conference with an overall record of 3-3. With a couple matches left in the season, this was a crucial match for the Gauchos. 

After trading points in the beginning of the first set, the Gauchos took the lead of 9-5 with a kill from sophomore outside hitter George Bruening. Losing the next 3 points, CSUN came near a tie, with the Gauchos leading 10-9. With the Gauchos leading, CSUN regained momentum with 3 points in a row, although still behind 19-23. UCSB finished strong with a kill by sophomore outside hitter Ethan Saint and an error by CSUN. UCSB won the first set 25-19 and led the entire set.

The second set began with CSUN’s first tie of the match at 1-1 and 6-6. Pulling away, UCSB gained a lead of 12-9. With a win on the line, a kill by sophomore outside hitter Riggs Guy broke the 2-point winning streak of the Matadors giving the Gauchos a 22-18 lead. Continuing their momentum, junior middle blocker Josh Aruya finished it out with an ace. Again, the Gauchos won the second set 25-19. 

With one set needed to sweep the Matadors, the Gauchos began the third set exchanging points. They gained the lead at 6-3 from a kill from junior outside hitter Ben Pearson. Pushing back, the Matadors achieved their first lead of the match at 20-19. Regaining momentum, the Gauchos quickly won the next 3 points, regaining the lead at 22-20. With the set on the line, Bruening delivered a kill, ending the game at 25-22. 

Notably, Bruening led the team with 12 kills, hitting his 16th double-digit kills of the season. Guy followed with eight kills and junior setter Cole Schobel reached 30 assists.

The Gauchos’ next match will take place on Friday, April 10 in Long Beach, at 7pm.