At the Galen Center in Los Angeles, the UCLA women’s volleyball (2-9, 6-5 Big Ten) team fell to No. 22 USC (16-5, 7-4 Big Ten). Coming off a win against Maryland last Saturday, UCLA gave it their all on Wednesday night, but ultimately fell short.
The first set opened up with UCLA in control of the ball, leading to an attack error by UCLA’s outside hitter #8 Maggie Li. The Bruins began on a rocky foot, progressing to a quick pickup on each error and switching the tone for the game. UCLA’s outside hitter #9 Cheridyn Leverette pounded the firsts set with several kills, one with the assistance of UCLA’s setter #3 Kate Duffey. Smart shots were taken, close blocks from the net and the game was in pursuit. UCLA was just behind USC, ultimately losing the first set in a nail-biter (23-25).
Pounding the ball into the second set, UCLA’s middle blocker #11 Marianna Singletary added to the score, bringing it to 16-12 after Duffey orchestrated the offense. USC continued taking shots, throwing UCLA behind and further creating a gap in the score. UCLA shifted gears, but it was not enough as USC came out on top at the end, with a score of 23-25. At the end of the second set, UCLA totaled 28 kills, .286% in hits, four blocks and nine service errors.
The Bruins came in hot entering the third set, but USC came prepared as they amounted several kills against UCLA, bringing in action with several dives. Responding to USC’s momentum, Li drilled a kill into the floor, assisted by Duffy. Keeping up with the tempo, both UCLA and USC played through saving errors and net miscommunications that added a gap to the final score.
The Bruins refused to give up, slamming skills towards the corners of the court. Nonetheless, USC overtook possession of the ball and carved their way back, quickly changing the narrative of the set. After an untouched kill from USC, the set ended at 20-25 with the Bruins falling to their cross-town rivals, with a final score of 0-3.
Despite the final score, the Bruins played with integrity and high-energy effort. In hopes to retrace their steps and come back stronger, UCLA will be returning home to hosting Washington next Sunday, Nov. 2, 2 p.m., at Pauley Pavilion.
__
Featured Image via Brianna Carlson/Daily Bruin
