SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The No. 8 UC Santa Barbara Men's Volleyball Team collected their fifth ranked win of the season Thursday night with a 3-0 defeat of No. 18 CSUN. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 
The Gauchos took both set one and set two 25-19, quickly defeating the Matadors in both. Santa Barbara led by several points throughout the first, keeping at least three points ahead for the set's majority. CSUN reached its closest position at 9-8 Gauchos, but Santa Barbara led decisively thereafter. 

CSUN was closer to the Gauchos during the start of the second, getting its first ties of the match at 1-1 and 6-6. Santa Barbara began to pull ahead after a 12-9 lead. They stayed multiple points in front until Josh Aruya closed the set with an ace. 

The third set was close to begin, but the Gauchos led through most of the teens. The Matadors achieved their first lead in the third set, momentarily catching up at 19-19 then pushing at 20-19. Santa Barbara immediately caught up and overtook CSUN, winning the set 25-22. 

Bruening reached double digit kills for the 16th time this season, notching 12 while hitting .333. Riggs Guy followed up with eight kills and a .389 hit percentage, while Ben Pearson hit .600 with no errors. 

Cole Schobel made 30 assists for 10 per set while Aruya administered three aces. The team collectively hit .351. 

UP NEXT
The Gauchos head to Northridge on Saturday, April 4 for a rematch at 6:00 p.m.