SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball team is set to head back home this weekend for a pair of Big West matchups inside The Thunderdome. The Gauchos will face Cal State Fullerton on Friday, October 17, before wrapping up the weekend against UC Irvine on Saturday. 

LAST TIME OUT
The Gauchos are coming off a statement 3-1 win over Hawai'i, rewriting history from their 2024 loss and proving their growth as a team. Kiersten Schmitt led the offensive charge with a clutch 13 kills, while Michelle Zhao anchored the defense with 12 digs. At the net, Layanna Green dominated with 5 blocks, helping the Gauchos secure the match. 

UC Santa Barbara continues to rank among the conference's best – leading the Big West in assists, and sitting at a close second in points, hitting percentages, kills, and blocks. 

SCOUTING THE TITANS 
Cal State Fullerton (7-11, 2-4) is coming off of a 3-0 sweep over Cal State Bakersfield, powered by freshman Lira Pukl Verdel's 9 kills. Veteran Ketesia Hall remains a key offensive force for the Titans, tallying 163 kills and 46 blocks so far this season. 

Historically, the Gauchos have dominated the matchup winning 23 of their last 30 meetings and holding an overall record of 30-8 against Fullerton.

EYES ON UC IRVINE
UC Irvine enters the weekend after a 3-1 victory against Cal State Northridge, with four players posting double-digit kills. Senior Kendra Duffey and Middle Blocker Ally Bolden both tied their career highs, with 18 and 13 kills in the match, respectively. The Anteaters also currently lead the Big West in digs with 66 total and an average of 14.65 per set. 

The Gauchos have won eight of the last ten matches against Irvine, including a thrilling 3-2 victory in their last match up in 2024.

CATCH THE ACTION LIVE
First serve for both matches is set for 7pm in the Thunderdome. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ or follow along with live stats available through UCSB Athletics.