The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) women’s beach volleyball team won two matches on April 10 at the Center of Effort Beach Volleyball Challenge in San Luis Obispo. The Bruins, ranked No. 2, defeated No. 9 California with a score of 4-1 and edged out No. 6 Cal Poly in a close contest.
These results are important as they strengthen UCLA’s standing ahead of further tournament play and showcase the team’s ability to perform under pressure against highly ranked opponents.
In their first match against California, UCLA lost the opening point on court one but then secured four consecutive victories across courts two through five. Kaley Mathews and Ensley Alden tied the match with a straight-set win on court two, followed by Harper Cooper and Alexa Fernandez winning on court three. Ava Williamson and Adelina Okazaki clinched another point for UCLA on court four in a closely contested battle that ended with scores of 21-19 and 27-25. Kenzie Brower and Mallory LaBreche completed the team victory with a three-set win on court five.
Later that day, host Cal Poly provided strong competition for UCLA for the second week in a row. Maggie Boyd and Sally Perez earned an early win for UCLA on court one before Cal Poly responded by taking points back in subsequent matches. With both teams trading victories, Brower and LaBreche leveled the score at two apiece after winning their match on court five in three sets. Williamson and Okazaki secured the overall victory for UCLA by coming from behind to defeat Julia Westby and Elise Lenahan in three sets (19-21, 23-21, 15-12).
With these wins, UCLA improved its season record to 23-4 as it prepares to face No. 13 Arizona State next.
