The USC Trojans achieved two impressive victories against the UCLA Bruins and the Washington Huskies. After setbacks against Michigan State and No. 3 Penn State last week, the Trojans bounced back strongly.
In a highly anticipated matchup at Pauley Pavilion on Halloween, USC faced their crosstown rivals, UCLA. The Bruins, with a record of 10-11 and 4-8 in the conference, struggled against the Trojans’ defense and offense. USC’s performance culminated in a dominant third set, clinching a victory that showcased their skills.
Graduate outside hitter Ally Batenhorst stood out with 16 kills, the highest on either team, marking her sixth double-double of the season. Senior setter Mia Tuaniga contributed significantly as well, delivering 40 assists and a personal best of six kills.
UCLA recorded a hitting percentage of .200, while USC excelled with .362. The final set scores were 21-25, 19-25, and 19-25. This victory marked the Trojans’ first straight-set win over UCLA in six years and their first away sweep against the Bruins in nearly a decade.
Riding high from this win, USC turned its focus to the Washington Huskies, who had a record of 17-5 and 6-4 in the conference. Although the absence of usual starters Kierstyn Barton and Audra Wilmes posed a challenge, the Trojans managed to secure a win in four sets despite a strong effort from Washington’s senior outside hitter, Madi Endsley.
At home in Galen Center on Sunday afternoon, the atmosphere was electric with 3,418 enthusiastic USC fans. Both teams entered with a 7-4 record, eager to make a statement in the Big Ten conference.
USC surged ahead, scoring over 20 points before Washington even reached double digits. The only quiet moments came when the Huskies served, which quickly turned to loud boos from the USC crowd. The fans showed their support, especially for Batenhorst, whose jersey number 14 was cheered as the Trojans claimed the first set 25-11.
The second set began with a different dynamic. The Huskies briefly led, and the score was tied twice. However, USC regained control and won the set 25-18.
Washington pushed back in set three, taking it 25-21. USC Head Coach Brad Keller noted the team’s inconsistency. He observed that the performance varied significantly from the earlier sets. “We’re starting to change that narrative a little bit,” he said.
The fourth set was a chaotic battle with multiple lead changes and ties. Despite some errant plays, the Trojans fought back and secured the match with a score of 25-15 and a total of 10.5 team blocks.
“This team is starting to believe. They are coming together and caring for each other,” Keller stated. He acknowledged the tough competition ahead against Illinois and Indiana, warning that Illinois boasts one of the best players in the country.
With two recent wins, the Trojans will travel to face Illinois and Indiana this Friday and Sunday. The first match is set for Friday at 3:00 PM in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, followed by a game on Sunday at 1:00 PM in Bloomington, Indiana.
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