The UCLA men’s volleyball team secured a straight-set victory over Vanguard University on Saturday in Costa Mesa, improving their season record to 10-0 and maintaining an undefeated mark in MPSF Conference play at 3-0.
The Bruins finished the match with a .421 hitting percentage. David Decker and Zach Rama each recorded double-digit kills. On defense, UCLA registered nine total blocks, with Kelly leading the team by contributing six block assists. Libero Chris Connelly led the Bruins with seven digs, while Vanguard was held to a .143 hitting percentage.
This win follows UCLA’s victory against No. 2 Long Beach State on Friday. The last time UCLA started a season 10-0 was in 2023.
In the opening set, Rowan and Hersh combined for an early block that gave UCLA a 6-3 lead. Additional blocks from Thorne and a combination of Hersh and Kelly helped extend the advantage to four points at 18-14. A service ace from Kelly put the Bruins up by six late in the set, which they won 25-18 after Decker delivered his sixth kill of the frame.
During the second set, Hersh’s service ace contributed to an early lead for UCLA before Vanguard briefly moved ahead. However, another ace from Kelly helped reclaim momentum as UCLA took control and closed out the set.
For the final set, Jaidin Russell entered as middle blocker and quickly made an impact with a kill. Kelly continued his strong performance with two more kills to help build a lead, but Vanguard responded to move ahead temporarily. The Bruins then regained control with consecutive points featuring contributions from Russell, Rama, Decker, and Rowan.
Several substitutions were made midway through the third set as Trent Taliaferro assisted Grayson Bradford for another point. Bradford later scored on an overpass to bring up match point before Vanguard’s service error ended the contest at 25-17.
UCLA will return home to Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial on Friday, February 13 for their next match. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. PT start and will be broadcast on B1G+.
