SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — On the backend of a back-to-back, the UC Davis women's volleyball team fell to UC Santa Barbara in three sets Saturday night in the Thunderdome.
 
The Aggies now sit at 3-5 in Big West play and 8-10 overall on the season while the Gauchos improved to a 7-1 conference record and a 11-7 overall record.
 
Sophomore Olivia Utterback and junior Lana Radakovic tied for the team lead with seven kills apiece. Junior Shira Lahav led the Aggies on defense with 11 digs.
 
Out of the gate, the Gauchos strung together a 5-0 run to develop a 10-4 lead at an Aggie timeout in the opening set. UC Santa Barbara continued to surge early with a .517 hitting percentage, taking the first frame by a score of 25-14.
 
The second set started similarly like the first with the Gauchos jumping out to a 9-4 lead. The Aggies tried to battle back with some interchanging parts, but the momentum of the home team proved just enough as UC Santa Barbara captured the second set, 25-12.
 
For the third set, the scoring went back-and-forth to 4-4 before the floodgates opened for the Gauchos, springing to a 13-8 advantage. The Aggies could not find an answer, ultimately falling in the third set, 25-20.
 
The Aggies return home to host Cal State Fullerton Thursday at 7 pm PT.