Arizona volleyball falls to the University of Southern California 3-0. The Wildcats looked to build on their win from the last match against Colorado but were over-matched against USC. This loss will drop the Wildcats to 15-13 on the season.
Set 1 (25-14)
The opening set was back and forth to be as both teams matched each other for the first five points. Eventually, USC was able to go on a 9-0 run to take a 14-5 lead. The Wildcats would not go down without a fight though, as they were able to cut the Trojans lead to six. USC was able to withstand all of Arizona’s runs in the first set as they were able to win by 11 to begin the match. USC’s opposite hitter Emilia Weske led all players with four kills to open this contest.
Set 2 (25-15)
Much like the opening set, Arizona was able to stay competitive early, but USC was able to establish a seven-point lead. Following an Arizona timeout, the Trojans would go on a 5-1 run and take a 19-9 lead. Arizona once again would go on a late three-point run to cut their deficit, but much like most of this game USC had an answer for Arizona’s run and was able to finish out the set with a 10-point victory. The standout player for the Wildcats in this set was outside hitter Jaelyn Hodge who had three kills in the second set.
Set 3 (25-11)
Arizona opened by scoring in this set, but that was then followed by a seven-point swing forcing Arizona to take another timeout. The timeout did not cool off the Trojan offense as they continued to extend their lead to 12-3. The Wildcats would not give up as they were able to battle back with a four-point run to cut the lead to five. Despite the run by Arizona, the Trojans were able to regain control of the set as they finished with a 9-1 run.
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Arizona was led by outside hitter Sofia Maldonado Diaz with eight kills and three digs. USC’s outside hitter Brooke Botkin led all players with 13 kills on a .591 hitting percentage. USC dominated offensively as they had 40 kills to Arizona’s 19.
Arizona will be back in action at No. 13 UCLA this Sunday, Nov., 21, at 1 p.m.
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