Nov. 2, 2001

Stats

Santa Barbara, Calif. - Defense doesn't traditionally win volleyball matches, but the 21st-ranked UC Santa Barbara women's volleyball team defied convention Friday night in recording a 30-23, 30-22, 30-26 victory over Central Coast rival Cal Poly in the Thunderdome.

The Gauchos tallied 74 team digs, with six players registering 10 or more scoops as UCSB improved to 13-10 overall and 11-3 in Big West action and secure a season sweep over the Mustangs. Junior outside hitter Courtney Guerra had a match-high 14 digs, while junior setter/outside hitter Brooke Niles nearly recorded a triple-double with eight kills, 10 digs and 23 assists.

Although Santa Barbara played excellent backcourt defense, the same could not be said for its play at the net as Cal Poly outblocked the home team nine to one. However, the Gauchos hit a collective .222 compared to .153 by their opponents to secure their 11th victory in 2001 by way of three-game sweep.

That lone Gaucho block came during game three, which was the most hotly-contested frame of the night. UCSB held a 20-13 lead before the Mustangs charged back to win seven of the next eight points. However with sophomore defensive specialist Casey McFarland serving, Santa Barbara reeled off five points in a row. The visitors again crept back, pulling to within 28-25 before a Niles tip over the net ended the match.

UCSB's best offensive performance came in the second game when it hit .289. Seven of sophomore outside hitter Erica Menzel's 11 kills came in game two, as did six of her 13 digs. The Santa Barbara, Calif., native can now boast nine double-double performances this season, including five in her last six matches.

In the opening game the Gauchos were aided by six Cal Poly serving errors as well as the solid play of junior middle blocker Danielle Bauer and senior setter Brooke Rundle. Bauer slammed home five kills in game one, and finished with 12 put-aways and 11 digs on the night for her 12th double-double performance in 2001. The native of Santa Ana, Calif., has now led UCSB in kills in 18 of its 23 matches this year. Meanwhile Rundle had nine opening game digs - 12 total - to go along with eight of her 18 assists in the match.

On the opposite side of the net, junior middle blocker paced CP with 12 kills, connecting at a respectable .308 clip. Freshman Jessica Diepersloot registered 10 of the Mustangs' 48 team assists on the night. The visitors dropped to 14-7 overall and 8-6 in Big West play with the loss.

The Gauchos will take a break from conference play - and their studies - with a trip to Honolulu for a match against 12th-ranked Hawai'i on Monday night. That contest will begin at 9:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.