IRVINE, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball team closed out their weekend 2-0 with a Saturday evening sweep of UC Irvine. The Gauchos went 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-22) to put themselves third in the conference with an 8-4 record.
HOW IT HAPPENED `
The Gauchos opened strong, winning the first set with a commanding 25-14 win. They first edged ahead at 5-2 with a kill from Auburn Tomkinson, then proceeded to a 12-8 lead. The Gauchos then made five points in a row to reach a 17-8 lead, dotted by an ace from Milan Rex. Another kill from Tomkinson had the Gauchos ahead by ten points at 19-9, and while Irvine recovered five points, the Gauchos made six to claim the first set.
The Anteaters initially led in the second, coming up a couple of points ahead until the Gauchos tied at 7-7. The teams knotted again at 10-10 and proceeded evenly through the teens. After deadlocks at 14-14, 19-19, and 22-22, two kills from Gabi Martinez and a final blow from McDermott put the Gauchos up 2-0 in the match.
Santa Barbara also finished the third 25-22. UC Irvine started up at 5-3, but the Gauchos made four in a row to see 7-5. The Anteaters responded, taking the lead at 10-9. More ties ensued before Irvine mounted a 16-12 lead. The Gaucho offense put back points to tie it up at 17-17, then led by a couple of points through 22-20. Irvine made two to make one last tie at 22-22. The Gauchos landed on top, however, as they made three final kills to take the match in three.
STAT RECAP
Gabi Martinez landed 20 kills, reaching the count for the fourth time this season. She also administered three aces and scooped eight digs. Two more Gauchos made 10 kills, with Auburn Tomkinson and Emma McDermott reaching the tallies. Milan Rex and Cortni Youngblood both dug 13 digs, while Bella Mathis went five for seven. The Gauchos made 51 kills, 17 more than their competitors, while hitting .299.
UP NEXT
The Gauchos return home to host Cal State Fullerton on Friday, Nov. 6, and Long Beach State on Saturday, Nov. 7. Both matches will take place at 7:00 p.m.
