UC Davis beach volleyball is set for a rigorous schedule this week, featuring two matches at Stanford and four matches at Cal. The team, currently 8-12, is coming off a strong performance with five wins last week, including a sweep against Vanguard and Concordia Irvine. The matches against Cardinal and Gaels will test their mettle against ranked teams, as Stanford holds the No. 2 spot nationally. The Aggies aim to build momentum as they finish their last season in the Big West before transitioning to the West Coast Conference.

By the Numbers
  • Current record: UC Davis 8-12, Saint Mary's 18-8, Stanford 21-2, San Jose State 7-8, California 14-7.
  • Skye Smolinski and Kate O'Steen lead with 10 total wins; they are 8-2 in the fourth flight.
Yes, But

While UC Davis aims to capitalize on its recent success, facing top-tier opponents like Stanford (ranked No. 2) and California (ranked No. 9) poses significant challenges. Historically, the Aggies are 0-10 against Stanford and 0-12 against California, raising questions about their ability to compete effectively.

State of Play
  • The Aggies are looking to continue their winning streak against competitive opponents after a strong performance last week.
  • UC Davis has brought in new recruits for the season, including several freshmen and transfers, to bolster their lineup.
What's Next

Following this week's matches, UC Davis will work to refine their strategies and strengthen their positioning within the Big West. They will need to build on their recent successes to prepare for the challenges of transitioning to the West Coast Conference.

Bottom Line

The upcoming matches are crucial for UC Davis to prove their competitiveness against high-ranking teams. Success could set the tone for their final season in the Big West and show promise as they approach the shift to the West Coast Conference.