UCLA
USC (North Gym)
UCLA Falls in Four at USC
February 01, 2006 | Men's Volleyball
Feb. 1, 2006
The fifth-ranked UCLA men's volleyball team fell 3-1 to No. 13 USC ending a 13-match, six-year winning streak against the Trojans.
USC won the match 30-27, 30-17, 27-30, 30-26 in front of 600 fans at the North Gym in just over two hours. The victory improved the Trojans' record to 5-4 overall, 4-2 in league play. The Bruins fell to 5-5, 1-3.
The victory also enabled USC to earn 2.5 points in the Lexus Gauntlet standings, the first time the Trojans have gained points in men's volleyball since the rivalry promotion began in 2001.
The loss diminished a solid performance by UCLA freshman outside hitter Ian Jackson, who made his first collegiate appearance and recorded 13 kills (.333). Junior Paul George and senior Nick Scheftic added 11 kills apiece. Scheftic hit .444 for the evening and served two of the Bruins' three aces.
The Bruins experienced another poor night at the service line, committing 22 service errors. The Trojans won the battle at the net, out-blocking the Bruins 14.0-.5.0 and limited UCLA to an attack percentage of .234. USC hit. 317.
The rematch is scheduled for Fri., Mar. 17 when UCLA hosts the 29th Annual Kilgour Cup at Pauley Pavilion. That match will be televised by FoxSports West on a next-day delay.
The Bruins return home on Fri., Feb. 3 for a non-league encounter against UC Santa Cruz at 7 p.m. in Pauley Pavilion. Friday's match is the start of a five-match, two-week home stand.
