| UCSB dropped the first match of a back-to-back series against Hawai’i by a score of 3-1 (18-25, 25-22, 25-22, 27-25). The loss drops the Gauchos to an even .500 record of 5-5, with a 3-4 mark in MPSF play. Hawai’i improved to 3-5, 3-2 in the MPSF. |
The Gauchos were unable to stop the potent attacking duo of Joshua Walker and Jonas Umlauft, who had 18 and 16 kills respectively for Hawai’i. UCSB won all the major team statistical battles, except for blocking, where Hawai’i had a distinct advantage — six Warriors recorded 3 or more blocks.
In the loss, the Gauchos squandered their most spread-out attacking of the year. Four players recorded 12 kills or more, including a match and season-high 19 from senior opposite Cullen Irons. Senior outside hitter Jeff Menzel had 15, sophomore middle blocker Dylan Davis had 13, and senior outside hitter Trey Valbuena 12, a season high for him.
Senior setter Vince Devany racked up an impressive 63 assists, which also led the match.
The Gauchos return to the court right away, playing Hawai’i for the second time in as many nights.
