SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball team is headed into two matches against Big West No. 1 Cal Poly this week, first at home on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m., then away on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday's event will be nationally televised on ESPNU as one of two Big West events featured on ESPNU in the 2026 fall season. In 2021, the Blue-Green Rivalry match up was the first Big West Women's Volleyball match to be featured on ESPNU, and 2025 aired Hawai'i versus Long Beach State in Walter Pyramid. 

LAST TIME OUT 
The Gauchos are coming into this week on a high after a five-set win over California Baptist University. Four Gauchos reached double-digit kills that night. Gabi Martinez led with 23, and Emma McDermott reached a season best with 13 kills. 

The Gauchos currently stand third in the Big West with a conference record of 6-2, and an overall record of 10-9. They currently lead the Big West in assists. 

OPPONENT OPTICS
The Mustangs are currently first in the Big West. They're undefeated in conference play with a record of 8-0, and have an overall record of 12-6. They're coming into this week with an eight-game win streak. 

FOLLOW ALONG
Cal Poly at Santa Barbara will be streamed on ESPNU, while UC Santa Barbara at San Luis Obispo will be on ESPN+. Live stats for both matches will be available on ucsbgauchos.com.