University Southern California Trojans
USC
UCLA
Trojans Suffer 3-0 Loss To Bruins
November 04, 2000 | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 4, 2000
Los Angeles, Calif. -- The No. 3/4 USC women's volleyball team (19-2, 12-2 Pac-10) suffered a 3-0 loss to cross-town rival No. 8 UCLA Friday night at Pauley Pavilion. The 15-9, 15-3, 15-13 win puts the Bruins (17-5, 12-2 Pac-10) back in the conference race with USC and Arizona.
The Trojans allowed UCLA to open strong in the first game of the match and fell behind 0-7 among 23 sideouts. The Bruins increased the lead to 13-3 before the Women of Troy began to close the gap. USC cut the margin to 14-9 before UCLA converted on its sixth game point to earn the 15-9 first-game win.
The second game started close with the game tied at two apiece, amidst 12 sideouts, before the Trojans again found difficulty at the net. UCLA embarked on a 5-0 run and the Trojans posted their final game point on a kill by Janae Henry to bring USC within four (3-7). UCLA rolled to the second win (15-3) holding the Women of Troy to .063 hitting.
Following the break, the third game began in similar fashion as UCLA jumped to a 13-6 lead. After a timeout, the Women of Troy regrouped and started chipping away at the lead, closing the gap to 14-13 thanks to Henry`s efforts which produced three consecutive points. The Trojans fought to the end, as UCLA missed 11 opportunities to serve for the match, including a stretch of 13-straight sideouts at game point. Finally it was UCLA outside hitter Kristee Porter who added her 20th kill of the match to cap the victory for the Bruins, 15-13.
USC was led by Henry who contributed a team-best 16 kills (.222) and 13 digs. Middle blocker Jennifer Pahl led with six blocks on the night.
As a team, it was only the second time this season the Trojans have hit below .200, and only the third time an opponent has recorded more digs in a match. USC hit .147 with 57 kills, 63 digs and 11.0 blocks. UCLA posted a .284 attack percentage, 72 kills, 67 digs and 10.0 blocks.
USC now prepares for the Arizona schools next week. On Thursday (Nov. 9), the Trojans face the Sun Devils at 6 p.m. in North Gym. Friday`s (Nov. 10) match against the Wildcats will most likely determine the conference champion. The match will be played at 6 p.m. at North Gym.
