MALIBU, Calif. – The No. 15 UC Santa Barbara men's volleyball team (6–4) is headed south to Malibu this weekend for a match up against No. 6 Pepperdine at Firestone Fieldhouse. 

COMING OFF LAST WEEK
After facing Cal Lutheran and USC last week, the Gauchos are comfortable competing in Southern California and will look to carry that familiarity into another tough road test. Last Thursday, UC Santa Barbara dropped the opening set against Cal Lutheran before locking in and securing a 3–1 win over the Kingsmen. Riggs Guy led the Gauchos with 14 kills, one block, and one ace, followed by Ben Pearson, who added 10 kills, two blocks, and one ace.

The Gauchos then gave it their all against No. 4 USC on Saturday. The two teams battled closely throughout the match, with UC Santa Barbara holding a narrow 9–8 lead early in the first set. Ultimately, USC pulled away in three tight sets to earn a 3–0 victory. Facing one of the nation's top teams provided valuable experience that should help prepare the Gauchos for the challenge ahead this weekend.

WATCHING THE WAVES
No. 6 Pepperdine has started the season strong with a 5–3 record. Coming off a 3–0 sweep of CSUN last week, the Waves enter the weekend with confidence and will be ready to defend their home court against the Gauchos.

The Gauchos will also host the Waves on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m. 

FOLLOW ALONG
First serve is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday at Firestone Fieldhouse. Fans unable to attend in person can follow live stats at ucsbgauchos.com and watch the match live on the Big Ten Network.