Gauchos Bounce Back with a Strong Win Over USD
In an exciting finish at the Trojan Invitational, the UC Santa Barbara Women’s Volleyball team triumphed over the University of San Diego (USD) with a 3-1 victory. This match marked a much-needed comeback after facing tough competition earlier in the tournament.
Coach’s Take
Head Coach Matt Jones expressed his pride in the team’s performance. “I’m thrilled about how the team dug deep today after two tough matches against Top 25 teams. While we missed two chances for Top 25 wins, we’re leaving this weekend feeling positive. I’m excited to see how this team continues to grow.”
Match Summary
The Gauchos and the Toreros both entered the final day of the tournament eager for a win, having lost their previous matches against USC and Creighton. USD started strong, taking the first set 25-19. But UCSB quickly turned things around. They won the second set 25-23, thanks to a crucial match point from Gabi Martinez.
From there, UCSB dominated. They took both the third and fourth sets, winning 25-18 each time. The Gauchos seized the lead early in the third set and never looked back, maintaining control throughout the final set.
Standout Performers
Eva Travis stood out by earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. She scored an impressive 53 kills over three matches and averaged nearly 4 kills per set. Freshmen Gabi Martinez and Jordyn Johnson also had strong performances, achieving career-high kill counts of 10 and 8, respectively.
Layanna Green contributed significantly with 25 kills over the weekend. Meanwhile, Milan Rex provided solid assists, tallying 23, and Ayva Ostovar was close behind with 19.
The Gauchos excelled in multiple statistics during the tournament, including total kills and digs. They averaged over 11 kills per set, showcasing their offensive strength.
Looking Ahead
Next week, the Gauchos will host Vanderbilt, Northern Colorado, and Kansas State during The Thunderdome Classic from September 11-13. With recent improvements and fresh talent, fans are eager to see how far this team can go.
As they build on this momentum, it’s clear that UCSB Women’s Volleyball has the potential to make a significant impact this season. The combination of experienced players and promising newcomers could lead to exciting developments in the matches ahead.
If you’d like to dive deeper into women’s volleyball stats for this season, be sure to check out NCAA Volleyball Stats.