LOS ANGELES, Calif. – UC Santa Barbara Volleyball came just points away from upsetting No. 22 USC on Friday night but ultimately fell in a tightly contested five-set battle, 3-2. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
USC successfully defended their home court in the first set, clinching it 25-21. The showdown was even through a tie at 11-11, but UCSB pulled slightly ahead for a 17-14 lead. USC came back, however, climbing their way back to a win for the set. 

The second set was tight, with neither team taking more than a two-point lead until UCSB secured a 23-20 advantage. Santa Barbara finished the set 25-21 to start a comeback on the Trojans. 

The Gauchos carried their momentum into the third, pulling ahead with a 12-6 run. They continued their lead, eventually winning the set 25-20 and taking a 2-1 lead in the match. 

Facing elimination, USC made a stand in the fourth set, pushing ahead through the tens after establishing a 12-9 lead. The Gauchos fought back from USC's 20-10 stance, gaining nine points to reduce the Trojans' claim of the set to 25-19. 

The fifth set saw a back-and-forth between the competitors, with UC Santa Barbara battling until the last points, as USC won 15-13. 

Eva Travis delivered a phenomenal 21 kills, bringing her season total to 60 through three matches. Emma McDermott followed for the Gauchos with nine, while Kiersten Schmitt had eight. Schmitt also delivered four service aces, the most of any player in the match. 

Freshman Jordyn Johnson hit .400, landing five kills for her new career high. Milan Rex put up 21 assists for the third straight match.

At the net, Layanna Green had five block assists and one solo block, while Johnson added four assists of her own. Cortni Youngblood had 19 digs and 24 receptions; Travis led in receptions with 29.

NEXT UP
The Gauchos will face off against Creighton on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 4:00 p.m., followed by a match against the University of San Diego on Sunday, Sept.7 at 4:00 p.m.