The UCLA men’s volleyball team began its 2026 season with a straight-set victory over McKendree University on Friday night at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins, ranked No. 1 nationally, won by set scores of 25-16, 25-18, and 25-22.
Zach Rama led the Bruins with 16 kills and a .500 hitting percentage. Andrew Rowan provided three service aces and was responsible for 42 of the team’s 45 assists. Cameron Thorne contributed five blocks and seven kills on nine attempts. Micah Wong Diallo posted a team-high kill percentage of .833, recording five kills on six attacks. Christopher Connelly, playing libero, had a match-high nine digs.
UCLA finished the match with a .533 hitting percentage while holding McKendree to .194. The Bruins totaled 46 kills and six aces compared to McKendree’s 27 kills and three aces.
The Bruins started strong in the first set with a 17-9 run that established control early. Senior setter Andrew Rowan delivered two service aces to help build an early lead, while Sean Kelly added two kills to extend UCLA’s advantage. Rama contributed consecutive kills late in the set before Ethan Decker secured the final point for a first-set win.
In the second set, UCLA maintained offensive efficiency with a .516 hitting percentage as Rama went eight-for-eight in attacks during that frame and also recorded a service ace. The Bruins opened up leads throughout the set before ending it on a run featuring points from Kelly, Rama, and Wong Diallo.
During the third set, UCLA hit .423 as both Rama and Kelly each registered four kills. Thorne added three block assists as part of four-and-a-half total team blocks in the set. A service ace from Wong Diallo increased UCLA’s lead midway through before McKendree closed the gap late; however, Rama sealed the match with his final kill.
UCLA will play next against Concordia University on Sunday evening at Pauley Pavilion with first serve scheduled for 5:00 pm Pacific Time.
