Arizona volleyball was never able to get into a true rhythm against UCLA and was swept for the first time this season.

The Wildcats were unable to handle the Bruins’ dominating passing attack, which was led by outside hitters Jordan Anderson and Reily Buechler. UCLA jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the first set, going on to win it 25-16.

The Wildcats still could not adjust in the second set. UCLA continued to dominate, with Buechler making numerous kills. Arizona volleyball head coach Dave Rubio called for a time out when his team went down 10-4, but the Bruins still held their ground and took the second set 25-18.

There was hope that Arizona could make a comeback when jumping out to a 3-1 lead in the third set, but Anderson and Buechler continued to dominate, and UCLA went on a 13-6 run to go up 14-7.

Arizona did make an impressive attempt at a comeback toward the end of the match when it strung five points together after being down 22-16. Kalei Mau had two kills and a block during this streak, Penina Snuka hit an ace and Nikki Attea had a kill as well.

This was as far as the run at a comeback would go though. After UCLA took a time out, the Bruins claimed three of the next four points to dominate the set 25-22 and the match 3-0.

Not only was this the first time the Wildcats have been swept this season, but it was also the first they have been swept in almost a year, the last being against Washington on Nov. 21, 2014.

With this loss, the Wildcats’ overall record is now 13-6, but they have a losing record in conference play at 3-4.

Arizona will have little time to think about the tough loss, and things will only get more difficult for them as they take on No. 1 USC on Sunday at 11 a.m.

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