FULLERTON, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball team (6-10) will be back on the road this upcoming weekend for the third week of Big West play. The Gauchos will square off against Cal State Fullerton on Friday, Oct. 11, and UC Irvine on Saturday, Oct. 12.
LAST TIME OUT
The Gauchos were nestled at home for the second weekend of conference play, most recently taking on the UC Riverside Highlanders and the UC Davis Aggies. They split the weekend 1-1, sweeping the Highlanders and falling 3-1 to the Aggies. In the match against the Highlanders, UC Santa Barbara started to find rhythm in their offense with their second Big West win this season. Sophie Reavis led the offense with a steady 12 kills and seven digs.
TACKLING THE TITANS
Cal State Fullerton had a slow start to Big West play as they lost their first four matches to UC Irvine, Hawai'i, Cal State Bakersfield and CSUN. They have only won four games so far this season against Gonzaga, Oral Roberts and California Baptist. They are coming off a tough five-set loss against the Matadors and are looking to make a move in the Big West.
Outside hitter Lyla Traylor has found the most traction for the Titan's offense. The senior from Houston currently posts the most kills on the team with 137.
The 2023 Big West-All Freshman Team outside hitter Ameena Campbell is another key factor in the offense for Cal State Fullerton. The sophomore from Lawndale, California currently contributes largely to offensive success, totaling 113 kills.
Their back row defense is led by Ashley Chacon. The senior libero has the most digs on the team with 182, averaging out to 3.71 digs per set.
APPROACHING THE ANTEATERS
UC Irvine has found success in the beginning of Big West play, notching wins over Cal State Fullerton, Hawai'i and CSUN, while only falling to Cal State Bakersfield thus far. They found some success in non-conference play, splitting their matches overall, beating Portland, Bradley, Wyoming and California Baptist while falling to Idaho State, Colorado, Cal and Grand Canyon.
The Anteaters are one of the best defensive teams in the NCAA. They are currently 20th in the NCAA and No. 1 in The Big West in blocks as they average 2.74 per set.
Senior middle blocker Ofure Iselen displays balance contributing the most to the team's impressive defense, leading the team averaging 1.56 blocks per set while also leading the team in hitting percentage, hitting at a .358 clip.
Graduate pin hitter Hunter Riedl contributes heavily to the team's offensive success as well, leading the team overall with 183 kills averaging 2.95 kills per set.
Nicole Feliciano is the team's sole setter in their 5-1 offense. She has the most assists with 537.
Campbell Jensen has settled into her junior year as the standout defensive performer for the Anteaters. The libero leads the team in digs with 222, averaging 3.58 per set.
WHEREABOUTS
The first match will take place inside Titan Gym in Fullerton. The Gauchos will first take on the Titans on Friday, Oct. 11 with first serve at 6 p.m. The next day, the Gauchos will be back on the court heading down to Irvine to take on the Anteaters in Bren Events Center. The Gauchos will face off with UC Irvine beginning at 4 p.m. Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+ for those who can't make it to either location.
