SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – On Friday night, the UC Santa Barbara Women's Volleyball team secured its second win over Sacramento State this season, defeating the Hornets 3-1 on their home court.
Milan Rex had the most productive match of her career, making 40 assists for a new career-high. She also made 11 digs for a double-double and put up eight blocks.
FROM HEAD COACH MICHAEL HENCHY
"We had a great team effort and played well across all areas of the game," Henchy said." With players in some new roles, it was great to see the team gel and find success throughout the night."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gauchos immediately got up 7-2 in the first and were still leading by 9-6, but the Hornets caught up to their opponents at 10-10. They tied again at 13-13, but a kill by Auburn Tomkinson brought a 16-13 heading. From there, the gap only grew and the Gauchos won the set 25-17.
The Gauchos also scored 25 points in the second, though Sacramento State took it 27-25. The Hornets had a similar initial lead as the Gauchos in the first, opening it 8-2. The Hornets still led at 10-5, but the Gauchos piled on seven more points to take a 12-11 lead. The teams would tie again at 14-14, then the Gauchos earned three to be up at 17-14 and later 20-17. Sacramento equalized at 22-22 and 24-24 before making the final points necessary to win the set.
The Gauchos were back in the third, winning it with the same score as the first, 25-17. Sacramento State opened 3-1, but the Gauchos made five in a row to be up 6-3. They stayed several points ahead and made it to 15-10 and 20-14, with Gabi Martinez administering a left-handed solo block for the 20th point. Five more points went to the Gauchos and they moved on to the fourth set.
Santa Barbara once again had an early lead, making it 7-3 to start. They led for the rest of the set while keeping their distance, reaching 15-10 again. The Gauchos made it to 20-16, then a kill from Sandrea Thomas won the match 25-19 for Santa Barbara.
STAT RECAP
Three Gauchos reached double-digit kill counts, with Gabi Martinez leading the way at 15. Martinez also achieved a double-double, adding 11 digs to reach the feat. Auburn Tomkinson and Emma McDermott both delivered 12, while Tomkinson hit .600. McDermott provided her career-high in aces, making four.
UP NEXT
The Gauchos play their final home match of the season on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. versus Utah Valley University during Senior Night.
