For the second consecutive week, the Gauchos will face the reigning Big West Player of the Week when Cal Poly visits the Thunderdome for a Friday night match at 7 p.m.
Cal Poly middle blocker Megan McConnell took home the
award as she helped her team snap a 15-match losing streak by averaging 2.3 kills, 2.6 digs, and 1.4 blocks per game in a pair of wins over Cal St. Fullerton and UCR.
The Gauchos also faced Fullerton and UCR last week, defeating the Highlanders but falling to the Titans.
Overall, UCSB heads into Friday’s Blue-Green Rivalry match with a record of 12-12, 5-4. Cal Poly stands at 3-18, 2-7.
The Gauchos bested Cal Poly just under a month ago for their first conference win of the season. Katey Thompson — who was in the middle of a hot streak — dominated the Mustangs in that match, picking up 15 kills, three aces, and a whopping .538 hitting percentage that still stands as her highest of the season. The Gauchos had an evenly balanced attack, as their No. 1 and No. 3 hitters on the night were separated by just eight swings.
Cal Poly lost its first seven matches in Big West play but the Mustangs have rebounded to win their last two.
UCSB outside hitter Leah Sully has will try and keep a streak of seven-straight double-double performances alive. Sully has the second most kills in the Big West (370), easily tops amongst the Gauchos. Sully is tied with Katey Thompson for the team lead in service aces with 23.
