UCLA women’s volleyball secured a notable victory against No. 15 Penn State on Sunday, marking a strong start to their Big Ten campaign. The match took place at Rec Hall in University Park, Pennsylvania, with set scores of 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, and 25-23.
The Bruins improved their record to 8-4 overall and 2-0 in conference play. This win represents UCLA’s first over a ranked opponent this season and is only the third home loss for Penn State in the last two seasons.
Setter Kate Duffey led the team’s offense with 47 assists and contributed seven digs, two blocks, and one kill. Outside hitter Cheridyn Leverette recorded a team-high 20 kills with a .340 hitting percentage. Freshman Eliana Urzua posted her first career double-double with 16 kills and 14 digs, ending the match with a decisive tip.
Middle blocker Brooklyn Briscoe achieved a personal best of 10 kills while hitting .533. Marianna Singletary contributed seven blocks out of UCLA’s total of eleven. Libero Lola Schumacher registered a match-high 24 digs.
The Bruins overcame early deficits throughout the match by responding with key runs and maintaining composure during close sets. After dropping the first set despite tying it late at 22-all, UCLA controlled much of the second set following an early lead and timely plays from Briscoe and Urzua.
In both the third and fourth sets, momentum shifted multiple times before Leverette and Urzua made critical plays to secure each frame for UCLA.
Head Coach Alfee Reft called timeouts at strategic moments to maintain his team’s focus as they managed Penn State’s rallies.
UCLA is scheduled to return home for its next match against No. 10 Purdue on Thursday, October 2. The game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.
