The University of California, Los Angeles women’s beach volleyball team defeated the University of Southern California on Apr. 16, winning 4-1 at Merle Norman Stadium. This marks the fourth time this season that UCLA has beaten its crosstown rival.
The victory concludes the Bruins’ regular season with a record of 27-4. The match saw comeback wins for UCLA on courts 2 and 4, with Ava Williamson and Jesse Dueck overcoming an initial set loss to secure the first point for their team against Kyra Zaengle and Calinda Kok. Kaley Mathews and Ensley Alden also delivered a key performance by saving three match points before winning their match in three sets against Ashley Pater and Sarah Wood.
USC earned its only point on court 5, where Madison Goellner and Kaileigh Truslow won in straight sets over Kenzie Brower and Mallory LaBreche. On court 3, Alexa Fernandez and Harper Cooper won a lengthy first set before closing out their match in two sets. The No. 1 pair for UCLA, Sally Perez and Maggie Boyd—recently named semifinalists for AVCA Beach Player of the Year—secured the overall win with a straight-set victory over Kennedy Coakley and Zoey Henson.
The Bruins are now preparing to compete in the MPSF Tournament beginning Wednesday, April 22 in Huntington Beach.
Looking ahead, UCLA will seek to continue its strong form as postseason play begins.
