SAN DIEGO- The UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball team (9-12) defeated UC San Diego on the road Thursday night. By the end of four sets, the Gauchos secured the win 25-22, 19-25, 25-21, and 25-16. The 3-1 result was Santa Barbara's 10th consecutive victory over the Tritons. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams would not let the other pull ahead as they matched point for point to start the first set. At 10-9, the Gauchos looked to take the lead securing five of the next six points. UC San Diego closed the gap but the Gauchos pulled away with three consecutive points to bring the set to 20-15. Two more kills from Eva Travis would give the Gauchos the push they needed to fight off the Triton attack for a 25-22 win in the first set.

UC San Diego brought the competition in the second set with a 4-1 lead to start. The Gauchos brought their first set momentum back quickly but the Tritons never let them pull ahead by more than a point. That is until the Gauchos went on a four point run and took their first two-point lead of the set. The Tritons tied up at 18-18 and found the rhythm to pull ahead. Santa Barbara would only find one more point before the Tritons took the set 25-19. 

UC San Diego looked ready to take their second set of the night as they held the Gauchos 7-3 to start the third set. The Gauchos did not let the Tritons out of their sight as they met up with them at 8-8. From there, it was a battle for who could pull ahead. At 13-13, the Gauchos proved their readiness by taking 10 of 12 points, four of which were kills from Travis. Although UC San Diego did not go without a fight, the Gauchos notched another set 25-21. 

The Blue and Gold showed the crowd beyond a doubt that set four would be the last of the night as they started out 7-2. They did not let up with attack after attack and held their opponent to 25-16 to bring home the win. 

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS

• Eva Travis had a phenomenal night leading the Gauchos with 22 kills and hitting a .372 clip. Beyond the incredible offensive work, she also contributed three blocks. 
• Cortni Youngblood had an impressive showing in the back row as she put up a new career-high with 21 digs.
• Andi Kreiling led the front row defense with five blocks, two being solo blocks. She also put up seven kills on the night.
• Harper Hall and Grace McIntosh were the setters for Santa Barbara, finding 25 and 23 assists, respectively. Both also each recorded six digs.

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will return home on Saturday for a matchup with Long Beach State. The match begins at 7 p.m. in the Thunderdome. For those unable to attend in person, streaming will be available on ESPN+.