UCLA Women's Volleyball Sweeps Weekend Matchups
The Bruins secured back-to-back five-set victories against Penn State and Ohio State at Pauley Pavilion.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Volleyball
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UCLA women's volleyball improved their season record to 15-4 following two hard-fought, five-set wins over Penn State and Ohio State in Los Angeles. The team utilized key rallies in both matches to overcome their opponents.
Why it matters
These victories move the Bruins to a 6-2 conference record, keeping the team competitive as they move into a challenging road stretch. The successful performance under pressure signals momentum for the squad as they head into upcoming matches in Nebraska and Iowa.
Kate Duffey anchored the offense with 48 assists against Penn State and 54 against Ohio State, while Kat Lutz contributed 28 digs in the first match. Five different UCLA players recorded double-digit kills to help secure the win over the Buckeyes.
The players
Kate Duffey
She is a key playmaker for the UCLA women's volleyball team who consistently records high assist counts.
Kat Lutz
She serves as a defensive specialist for the Bruins and recorded 28 digs in the team's recent victory.
Maggie Li
She is a primary offensive threat for UCLA who recorded 17 kills in the match against Penn State.
Mija Bendzuite
She is a player for UCLA who contributed critical kills during the late fifth-set rally against Ohio State.
The details
UCLA secured the win against Ohio State with a 15-13 victory in the fifth set, fueled by a late rally featuring kills from Mija Bendzuite and Maggie Li. Against Penn State, the team utilized a pivotal 7-1 run in the final set to seal the victory.
Timeline
The matches against Penn State and Ohio State took place in October 2026.
UCLA is scheduled to play at Nebraska this Thursday.
The team will continue their road schedule at Iowa this Saturday.
Season Trajectory
These victories solidify UCLA's position in the conference standings as they prepare for a difficult road series. The team's ability to win two consecutive five-set matches provides a critical boost for their standing in the regional playoff picture.
The Bruins now hold a 6-2 conference record, which is a key metric for determining their seeding in upcoming post-season tournament brackets. The five-set wins emphasize the depth of the roster, as multiple players reached double-digit kill counts.
The takeaway
Success in close, five-set matches relies heavily on late-game composure and consistent back-row defense. Fans looking to follow the team can track their performance through their upcoming challenging road trip against Nebraska and Iowa.
What happens next
UCLA will travel to play at Nebraska this Thursday and against Iowa this Saturday.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's standing, visit Los Angeles Volleyball.
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