SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball team (16-2) will be back in The Thunderdome for a pivotal week of Big West play. The Gauchos will host the Cal Poly Mustangs and the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine.
LAST TIME OUT
The Gauchos secured two more wins, remaining undefeated in Big West play as they took down the Highlanders of UC Riverside and the Aggies of UC Davis. UC Santa Barbara won both of these matches in five sets. To go along with the wins, middle blocker
Grace Wuischpard was named The Big West's Defensive Player of the Week as she averaged 1.5 blocks per set against these two teams.
MANAGING THE MUSTANGS
Cal Poly is having a strong start to Big West play, only dropping one match to Long Beach State earlier this season. Most recently, they defeated UC Riverside and UC Davis.
The Mustangs' libero, Jolei Akima, is one of the best liberos in the NCAA. She currently has 334 digs on the season, putting her in 22nd in total digs.
The outside hitters lead the Mustangs when it comes to the offense. Sophomore Lizzy Markovska has the most kills with 233 while junior Tori Stockholm is close behind her with 228.
When it comes to blocking, Kate Slack is the best Mustang. The junior middle blocker has the most blocks on the team with 81.
Just like many other institutions in the transfer portal era, the Mustangs got some big players. Stockholm is a transfer from Indiana. The Mustangs also secured two transfers from the Mountain West. Akima is a transfer from Boise State while Helena Perez came from Colorado State.
The Mustangs are coached by Caroline Walters. During her six seasons with the program, she has accumulated a 73-61 record.
REBUFFING THE RAINBOW WAHINE
Hawai'i has had a strong start in The Big West this season, only dropping one match to Long Beach State. Most recently, the Rainbow Wahine defeated Cal State Fullerton and UC Irvine.
Kate Lang is one of the best setters in the NCAA. She is 22nd in the country in assists per set with 10.54 per set. She is also 35th in total assists, racking up 643.
Amber Igiede is one of the most efficient hitters in the country. She is 28th in the NCAA when it comes to hitting percentage as she hits at a .402 clip.
The outside hitters are also key pieces to the Rainbow Wahine offense. Sophomore Caylen Alexander has 181 kills so far while senior Riley Wagoner currently has 144.
Hawai'i secured multiple Power Five transfers in the portal, including Talia Edmonds from Michigan State and two others from Utah and Clemson. They also grabbed former Mustang Kendra Ham and three other Division I transfers.
The Rainbow Wahine are coached by Robyn Ah Mow, who is in her seventh season. She accumulated a 120-41 record in that time.
WHEREABOUTS
The Gauchos will hit the court against the Mustangs for the first leg of the Blue-Green Rivalry tomorrow, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. This two-match homestand will continue on Friday, Oct. 13 as the Gauchos face Hawai'i at 7 p.m. Both matches will be streamed through ESPN+.
