NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball visited CSUN today to take on the Matadors for the second time this season. The Gauchos came away with another win and a 3-0 final score that puts Santa Barbara 2-0 against CSUN and 8-3 in the Big West for 2025.
FROM HEAD COACH MATT JONES
"With five players out with injury tonight and Kiersten cramping in set three, tonight was unbelievable team effort. So much grit and resilience to come back in the third set," Jones said. "CSUNs a very good team and to get a sweep on their home floor given the circumstances was huge. Our depth has been phenomenal all year and it's carrying us right now. Next, Cho up mentality."
HOW IT HAPPENED
CSUN landed the first point of the match and the battle for the advantage began. The teams were tight through the first few points, but Santa Barbara emerged on top by 7-6. They held on to their lead through the rest of the set and took it 25-22.
A similar exchange occurred in the second, with Santa Barbara leading the way for nearly the entirety of the set. CSUN broke even at 12-12, but the Gauchos maintained their direction and reclaimed their lead through the teens. Santa Barbara took two in a row, finishing 25-23 in the second.
CSUN proved more of a challenge in the third set, as they forged ahead after a tie at 7-7. The Matadors led from 8-7 through 22-21, which is when the Gauchos finally flipped the script. They forced a tied at 22-22 and 23-23 before Gabi Martinez scored the winning points with a kill and a block.
STAT RECAP
- Martinez cleared the way for the Gauchos, landing a match-high 18 kills
- Bianca Nistor had a career-high in three categories – 12 digs, five assists, and two aces
- Layanna Green once again hit above .400, with a .444 shaping her match
- Milan Rex headed the setting, putting up 23 for the Gauchos
- Michelle Zhao had three service aces, while Jordyn Johnson had three solo blocks
NEXT UP
The Gauchos continue their weekend on the road at Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4:00 p.m.
