The UCLA men’s volleyball team, ranked No. 1 nationally, secured a straight-sets victory over No. 13 Ohio State on Thursday night in Los Angeles. The match was highlighted by a historic second set, which the Bruins won 48-46, setting a new NCAA record for the longest set in both the rally-scoring era and all-time.
Set scores were 25-21, 48-46, and 25-20 in favor of UCLA.
Senior setter Andrew Rowan contributed significantly with 52 assists and helped lead the Bruins (8-0, 2-0 MPSF) to a .458 hitting percentage. Sean Kelly and David Decker each recorded 16 kills, while libero Chris Connelly achieved his first career double-digit dig performance with 11 digs.
For Ohio State (4-2, 0-0 MIVA), Shane Wetzel led all players with 19 kills on 38 attempts and added 10 digs.
UCLA’s win moves them to an undefeated start through eight matches for the first time since the 2023 season, when they began with nine consecutive victories. The Bruins have now swept eight of their first nine matches this season; their only set loss came against Ball State at the First Point Collegiate Challenge.
The opening set saw both teams trading points until UCLA pulled ahead late with key plays from Decker and Wong Diallo. In the record-setting second set, UCLA overcame an early deficit and fended off multiple set points before closing out the marathon frame on an ace by Rowan.
The third set saw UCLA take control early and maintain their lead throughout, finishing the match with a kill from Hersh assisted by Rowan.
UCLA will next face Long Beach State on February 6 at 7 pm PT.
