UCSB started off the new year on a positive note, downing the formidable Canadian college Laval of Quebec, 25-20, 25-14, 22-25, 25-20, in a men’s volleyball exhibition match Tuesday night at Rob Gym.
In the first two sets, the Gauchos starters dominated, led by senior opposite Cullen Iron’s 9 kills and senior outside hitter Jeff Menzel’s 8 kills. The Gauchos also displayed a strong passing game, exemplified by senior setter Vince Devany’s 23 assists, as well as strong defense by senior outside hitter Trey Valbuena and sophomore middle blocker Dylan Davis, who teamed up for 5 of UCSB’s 10 blocks.
UCSB’s second unit continued the team’s strong play. Senior outside hitter Todd Travis had a team-high 10 kills, and sophomore setter Oliver Deutschman matched Devany’s 23 assists. As a team, the Gauchos swung at a .468 clip. Conversely, the Gauchos held Laval to a hitting percentage of .155, including a .000 percentage in the second set.
“Our team is going to rely on a different guy every night, and everyone came through tonight, it wasn’t just one or two guys,” said UCSB coach Rick McLaughlin.
This was UCSB’s final game before hosting the Gaucho Collegiate Invitational this weekend, Jan. 7-8. The Gauchos open against Cal State Northridge at 10 a.m. on Friday at Rob Gym.
Other matches on Friday morning at the Thunderdome are UC San Diego vs. UCLA, BYU vs. Cal Baptist, and Long Beach State vs. UC Irvine. The winners and losers will play again at 7:30 p.m.
The matches are at the Thunderdome and Rob Gym.
Good luck to the Gauchos on Friday!!