No. 2 USC women's volleyball improved to 25-1 over the weekend, fighting off a Colorado comeback and sweeping the season series with Utah.
The Trojans started the weekend with a four-set win on Friday afternoon against the Buffaloes. A 12-0 run allowed the Trojans to capture the first set with ease. The Women of Troy would follow with a 25-14 victory to take a 2-0 advantage.
In keeping with Homecoming celebrations, USC honored two members of the 2002 and 2003 NCAA Championship rosters between the second and third sets. Former middle blocker Katie Olsovsky and former setter Toni Anderson had their jerseys raised into the rafters of the Galen Center to honor their contributions to the program.
Though USC took an initial lead in the third set, Colorado would later use five blocks to catch the Trojans at 21-all and clinch the set, 27-25. The Buffs maintained the momentum going into the fourth frame, taking their largest lead of the match at 20-15. The Trojans would persevere, fighting on to a 25-23 victory largely due to two late kills by freshman outside hitter Alyse Ford.
On Sunday, the team defeated Utah in straight sets. Though USC ran away with the first set, the Utes would turn up the heat on the Trojans for the rest of the match. A double-double by freshman setter Baylee Johnson and junior libero Taylor Whittingham's 17 digs were the defensive juice the team needed to stave off Utah through three.
In both matches, the Trojans were led by senior outside hitter Samantha Bricio. The Buffs proved to be no match for Bricio, who posted 29 points, 21 kills, six service aces, 10 digs and four blocks. Sunday's performance was similarly dazzling for the senior, and included 22.5 points, 21 kills, a service ace, four digs, and a block.
Altogether, the weekend's success landed Bricio the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week honors for the sixth time this season. The nomination is the ninth of the senior's career, sets a new league record, and ties Stanford's Logan Tom for second-most all-time in conference history.
Next, the Women of Troy face two consecutive days of midweek play, first against the Oregon Ducks on Wednesday, Nov. 11 and then against the Oregon State Beavers on Thursday. Both matches are set to start at 7:30 p.m. PT, with the Oregon matchup airing live on Pac-12 Networks.
