The No. 6 Pepperdine men's volleyball team stunned No. 1 UCLA by handing the Bruins their first loss of the season in a thrilling five-set match. After a tough fight, Pepperdine won 3-2 with a final set score of 15-13, thanks to a strong performance from Cole Hartke, who recorded 23 kills. The match was marked by 41 ties and 16 lead changes, showcasing intense competition. The victory improves Pepperdine鈥檚 record to 18-4 and keeps them unbeaten in MPSF play at 9-0. The match also drew a record audience of 1,278, the largest in eight years for the Waves.

By the Numbers
  • Cole Hartke led all players with 23 kills, contributing to 38 of the team's 54 overall kills.
  • The match featured 41 ties and 16 lead changes, illustrating its competitive nature.
State of Play
  • Pepperdine is currently 3-2 against UCLA over the past year, having avenged previous losses.
  • The Waves maintain a perfect 9-0 conference record and are now preparing to face UCLA again on the road.
What's Next

Pepperdine will seek to secure another victory on Saturday at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, aiming for their first win in Westwood since 2015. This match will further impact their quest for a strong playoff position as the season progresses.

Bottom Line

Pepperdine's victory over UCLA is a significant moment, emphasizing their growth as a contender in men's volleyball. Maintaining their unbeaten conference record and building on this momentum will be crucial as they approach the postseason.