A stifling defense led Cal State Fullerton to a sweep over UCSB in Big West women’s volleyball action Saturday at the Thunderdome, snapping the Gauchos’ four-match win streak and blemishing their perfect record in league play.
The Titans held a 65-49 advantage in digs and won by scores of 25-21, 25-19 and 25-23. Fullerton improved to 13-4 overall and 2-1 in the Big West, while Santa Barbara fell to 9-7 and 3-1.
“We didn’t rise to the challenge and we played with little intensity,” said UCSB head coach Kathy Gregory, who was named a Legend of the `Dome Friday. Fullerton was great defensively and we couldn’t match them.”
Several times the Gauchos mounted exciting comeback bids, but ultimately couldn’t replicate Friday’s victory over No. 21 Long Beach State, in which UCSB came back from being down two sets to win in five.
Cal State Fullerton, which has won nine of its last 10 matches, put down 50 kills to UCSB’s 38 and out-hit the Gauchos .256 (50-18-125) to .175 (38-16-126).
The Titans were snapping all weekend as they halted Cal Poly’s 10-match win streak Friday night in San Luis Obispo. Poly swept Long Beach State Saturday at home.
UCSB, now 55-5 all-time against Cal State Fullerton, was attempting to start its Big West season with a 4-0 mark for the first time since 2003.
No Gaucho posted double-digit kill totals as Kara Sherrard led with nine and was followed by Charlene DeHoog (eight), Stacey Schmidt (seven) and setter Dana Vargas (six). DeHoog finished with a team-high 13 digs and libero Kelly Heenan had 11. UCSB was slightly stronger on the block with seven team stuffs to six for Cal State Fullerton.
Titan Erin Saddler led all players with 16 kills on 42 swings. Torrie Brown had 14 kills. The bulk of the defense was provided by Cami Croteau, who kept 29 Gaucho attacks alive. Genie Francisco followed with 13 digs and Gabrielle Dewberry had 11.
UCSB will take a quick break from league play and take on Pepperdine at Firestone Fieldhouse on Oct. 6, kicking off a four-match road swing. Following the tilt against the Waves, the Gauchos play at Cal Poly, Pacific and UC Davis.
