The Santa Clara University beach volleyball team started the West Coast Challenge with a split, achieving a dominant 5-0 sweep over Portland but falling to Pepperdine with a 4-1 score. Against Portland, Santa Clara showcased strength across all five pairs, with two pairs winning in three sets. However, the match against Pepperdine was more challenging, where Santa Clara managed only one win.

By the Numbers
  • Santa Clara swept Portland 5-0, winning all matches, with two going to three sets.
  • In the match against Pepperdine, five sets were decided by four points or fewer, showing close competition.
Yes, But

Despite a strong performance against Portland, the team struggled against Pepperdine, which highlighted inconsistencies that need to be addressed as they face tougher opponents moving forward.

State of Play
  • The upcoming match against No. 8 LMU is pivotal for Santa Clara to gauge their competitive standing.
  • With a current record of 11-8, consistency will be crucial for the team's success in future matchups.
What's Next

Santa Clara will conclude the West Coast Challenge by playing LMU at 9 a.m. on Saturday, followed by another match depending on the results of the first.

Bottom Line

The team must capitalize on their strengths while addressing weaknesses revealed in the Pepperdine match to enhance their performance against reputable opponents like LMU.