The UC Santa Barbara Men's Volleyball team achieved their second victory over CSUN, winning 3-1 after a previous sweep earlier in the week. The Gauchos started strong with a 9-0 run, but CSUN fought back, tying the match at one set each. Santa Barbara regained control, taking the third set decisively and eventually clinching the match with a narrow 28-26 win in the fourth set. Key performances included George Bruening, who led with 17 kills, and Riggs Guy, who recorded crucial service aces and digs.

By the Numbers
  • Gauchos opened with a 9-0 run in the first set.
  • George Bruening finished with 17 kills and a hitting percentage of .452.
  • Josh Aruya achieved seven block assists.
  • Riggs Guy led the team with nine digs and recorded ten kills.
Yes, But

Despite the victory, CSUN managed to win a set convincingly, indicating potential vulnerabilities in the Gauchos' defense that could be exploited in future matches. The ability of CSUN to tie and take leads in sets suggests competitive resilience.

State of Play
  • The Gauchos currently hold momentum with back-to-back victories over CSUN.
  • The team's performance highlights a solid offensive strategy but reveals areas for defensive improvement.
What's Next

The Gauchos face Long Beach in back-to-back matches on April 10 and April 11, which will test their ability to sustain momentum and improve their defensive sets.

Bottom Line

UC Santa Barbara's recent successes underscore their offensive talent, particularly with standout performances from key players. However, they must address defensive lapses to maintain their winning streak against tougher opponents.