SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2022) – The UC Santa Barbara women's volleyball team was back in The Thunderdome today as the Gauchos took on the Tritons of UC San Diego. After the end of three sets, the Gauchos executed a sweep, defeating the Tritons 25-16, 25-18, 25-23. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gauchos came out slow in the first set, letting the Tritons grab a 6-0 lead at the start of the game before kicking it into gear. Once they scored their first point, UC Santa Barbara could not be stopped. They came back and took the lead from UC San Diego, with each Gaucho serving more than once each time they went back to the service line. That along with Sophie Messinger's six-point service run allowed the Gauchos to close out this game 25-16.

From there, UC Santa Barbara did not let up. They came out swinging in the second set, hitting a .316 clip in this set while suppressing the Tritons to a .128 hitting percentage. With the Gauchos' strong defense and their offensive efforts showing throughout, no one could stop them as they grabbed the second set 25-18.

The third and final set was the closest set of the match in terms of score. UC Santa Barbara grabbed an early lead, but it didn't keep UC San Diego at bay. The Tritons battled back, tying the score three times throughout this set. However, the Gauchos kept their cool and remained in the game. With that focus and determination, the Gauchos were able to secure the final set and secure the sweep with a score of 25-23. 

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS

• Michelle Ohwobete led the team's offense yet again, securing 11 kills in today's match. With these kills, she managed a .290 hitting percentage, only causing two errors on 31 attempts. Along with that, she led the team in aces with two.
• Brianna McKnight was one of the most efficient players for the Gauchos. She ended the match hitting .389, registering nine kills and only two errors on 18 attempts.
• MaCall Peed continues to be a force in the back row. She finished tonight's game with a team-high 16 digs. Helping Peed on defense was Deni Wilson who controlled the team's defense in the front row. She ended the game with nine total blocks, four of which were solo blocks and five that were block assists.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will have a few days off from competition before hitting the court in Bakersfield, California as UC Santa Barbara takes on the Roadrunners of Cal State Bakersfield. First serve will be at 6 p.m. with a live stream on ESPN+ and stats through the Roadrunners' website.