SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball is hosting the Pepperdine Waves on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6:00 p.m for their final non-conference home match of the season. 

LAST TIME OUT
Santa Barbara went 3-0 in the Thunderdome Classic, defeating Kansas State, Vanderbilt, and Northern Colorado. Eva Travis led the Gauchos in kills with 49, while freshmen Gabi Martinez and Jordyn Johnson continued their hot streaks. 

A LOOK AT THE GAUCHOS
Santa Barbara is first in the Big West in kills per set (13.38) and points per set (17.58), while it is second in total points (562.5) and hitting percentage (.260). The Gauchos lead the Big West in solo blocks (24), total blocks (89.5), and blocks per set (2.80). They rank in the NCAA's top 50 for total team blocks and blocks per set. 

Travis is heading the Big West in total points (155), points per set (4.84), and total kills (137), while she is second in kills per set (4.28). Johnson leads the conference in hitting percentage with .443. Layanna Green is also a force for the Gauchos, ranking second in the Big West in hitting percentage with an average of .426.

WATCHING THE WAVES
Pepperdine is 4-3 for the season and holds a win against No. 19 UCLA. The series between the Gauchos and the Waves sits at 31-33, with Pepperdine leading by two matches. The Gauchos last saw the Waves in Malibu, where Pepperdine defended their turf with a 3-0 win on Sept. 15, 2024. 

The Waves are currently fueled by Maggie Beauer and Chloe Pravednikov, who both have 71 kills on the season. Laine Briggs had 88 digs, while Ella Piskorz is spearheading the blocks with 31 total. 

FOLLOW ALONG
The match will serve off at 6:00 p.m. in the Thunderdome and will be available to follow with live stats and ESPN+.