NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – In its final game of the grueling road trip to start the 2023 season, the "road warriors" of UC Davis volleyball earned its six consecutive victory to stay perfect in Big West Conference play, defeating CSUN in four sets on Saturday afternoon.
The win marks the Aggies' longest win streak since 2018 when Davis' team rattled off seven straight victories. UC Davis also posts its best-ever start to the conference slate since joining the Big West in 2007.
"We started slow today, but we managed to flip it a little sooner," said Head Coach
Dan Conners. "I think we are doing well but still need to improve. Olivia and Jade have been huge and have brought so much consistency at the pass-hitter position. That's been really nice. Reese also had a great match which helped us. Once we get everyone clicking together, we'll be a good team."
It was another stellar performance on the offensive end as the Aggies posted a team hitting percentage of .292. Defensively, UC Davis shined with 18 total blocks and 61 digs, both season-highs for four-set matches this season.
Three Aggies finished with double-digit kills with
Olivia Utterback leading the way by knocking down 15 at a .333 clip, continuing her outstanding junior year.
Jade Light and
Reese Diersbock registered 12 kills apiece, with Light getting heavily involved on the defensive end with her 10 digs.
Julia Ng dominated from the libero spot with her 17 digs and the terrific setting duo of
Casi Newman and
Mia Starr impressed yet again, each going over the 20-assist mark.
Ally Chandler notched five block assists and six kills, making a huge impact at middle blocker.
"We're all super happy that its over and excited to come home," Chandler said. "We needed to work as a team and start strong from beginning. Our captains really stepped up today which was important. As freshman, we've meshed well with the returners."
Set 1
It was a steady start for UC Davis, hitting .308 as a team with just three attack errors in the first set. The Aggies fell behind early in the frame, but battled back by using three straight kills from Light to find some rhythm.
Diersbock caught fire with three kills of her own before Light knocked down two more, making it five kills in the set for the sophomore, and the Aggies would grab the 25-20 win in set number one. This is the first time UC Davis has won the opening set since Sept. 12 at Sacramento State.
Set 2
In the second set, the Ags hit their stride, slamming down 15 kills at a .429 clip to cruise to another 25-20 victory to put the pressure on CSUN.
Makena Morrison made a significant contribution with back-to-back services aces to break a 16-16 tie, propelling UC Davis to another set win.
Set 3
The Matadors managed to snatch the third set 25-22 as the Aggies hit a game-low .219.
Set 4
In the fourth and final set, UC Davis controlled the pace after racing to a 7-1 run to create a nice cushion. Utterback's six kills got the Aggies across the finish line, leading her team to the 25-20 scoreline for the third time in the match, clinching the victory.
Up Next
The Ags will finally host their first home game of the season on Oct. 5 when Cal Poly comes to Davis. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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