The UC Merced men's volleyball team achieved a historic milestone, securing their first Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) win with a 3-1 victory over Concordia University Irvine. The win, marked by set scores of 25-16, 25-21, 10-25, and 25-22, also ended an eight-match losing streak against CUI. Mason Stokes led the charge with 14 kills, while Achilles Huang and Kaleb Cole contributed 12 and 10 kills, respectively. The Bobcats showcased a strong performance, hitting .297 overall, the highest in any MPSF match this season.

By the Numbers
  • 14 kills by Mason Stokes, a career high in the MPSF.
  • Bobcats hit .297, their highest percentage in an MPSF match this year.
Yes, But

While the victory provides a much-needed boost, the Bobcats previously struggled, with a record of 4-13 before this match. Additionally, the Golden Eagles had previously dominated the series, leading to questions about the Bobcats' consistency moving forward.

State of Play
  • UC Merced ended a long-standing winless streak against CUI, marking the program's progress.
  • The Bobcats demonstrated significant improvement in their hitting percentage and overall team performance.
What's Next

UC Merced will face Concordia University Irvine again on March 28, where they鈥檒l aim to build on their recent success and further prove their capabilities in the MPSF.

Bottom Line

This win not only represents a crucial turning point for the Bobcats but also sets a precedent for future performances in the MPSF, offering hope for sustained improvement and success.