The UCSB women’s volleyball team carried its momentum from a thrilling 5-set victory over No. #19 UC Irvine into Saturday’s match vs. UC Riverside, sweeping the Highlanders, 25-19, 25-22, 25-23.
The Gauchos improve to 16-5 overall and 6-3 in the Big West. UCR falls to 3-16, 1-8. UCSB has won five of its past six matches. The victory was also the 600th career win for UCSB head coach Kathy Gregory as a coach in the Big West. She has over 800 victories in her entire career as UCSB’s coach.
Rebecca Saraceno led the Gauchos with 13 kills while also recording seven digs. Stacey Schmidt had 11 kills and Leah Sully added eight. Sully led UCSB with 12 digs while Chelsey Lowe had 11.
“We had great energy tonight and got off to a great start. We were able to win two close games for a 3-0 sweep,” said UCSB head coach Kathy Gregory.
As a team the Gauchos hit .211 and setter Dana Vargas handed out 30 assists. Lily Lopez led the Gauchos with 1 solo block and 3 block assists. No UCR player had double-digit kills.
The Gauchos return home next Friday for a two-match homestand on Friday vs. Cal State Fullerton and Saturday against Long Beach State. Both matches are at 7 p.m. in the Thunderdome.
