SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Men's Volleyball earned a 2-0 start to their season on Friday afternoon, taking down Maryville University 3-1.  

Santa Barbara got off to a strong head start, dominating the first set 25-10. They earned 90% of side outs and did not trail for the entire set. Maryville was unable to field Santa Barbara's attacks and the Gauchos landed 11 kills to start off the match.

Maryville made their comeback in the second, redeeming themselves midway through the set and eventually clinching it. The Gauchos did not let it happen easily, however, as the Saints claimed an overtime 26-24 win. The set was relatively even throughout, with neither team garnering a significant lead. Riggs Guy had eight kills by the end of the second and was hitting .429.

The third set went back to the Gauchos, who claimed it 25-19. Ethan Saint, who entered the third set with just three kills, made seven in just a ten-point span. Beginning at 10-7 Gauchos, he landed six kills in a row, a block assist, and one more kill to give the Gauchos eight points by 21-7. 

The Gauchos also won set four 25-19, wrapping the match 3-1. They sustained heavy leads throughout the third and fourth, tamping Maryville down and riding out the victory. 

Three Gauchos had double digit kills versus the Saints, with Guy nailing 12, George Bruening 13, and Saint 15. The team also posted 17 total blocks. 

Josh Aruya put up a career-high nine blocks while Saint's five made a career-best of their own. He also outperformed his past self, slamming 15 kills for a career-high. Cole Schobel put up 40 assists and has totaled 59 for the weekend so far. 

Mikey Denver made his statistical debut, logging two kills and an impressive eight blocks. Jason Walmer appeared in his first game ever and showed out, placing two assists and seven digs. 

UP NEXT
The Gauchos will wrap the 2026 ASICS Invitational on Saturday, playing Harvard at 7:00 p.m.