BERKELEY – California volleyball responded in the best way possible to being swept in its last outing, taking to the court Sunday afternoon with a newfound fire and defeating visitor NC State in straight sets, 25-19, 25-21, 25-14, to earn its first ACC win as a program and improve to 9-7 (1-3 ACC) on the year while snapping a four-match losing streak.
“Our passing was fantastic today,” head coach Jen Malcom said. “Today just shows that when everyone is on task, good things can happen.”
Sophomore Xuemeng (Maggie) Li once again led the Bears’ offense, posting 13 kills on .367 hitting to lead both teams while also pacing the Bears with two service aces; junior Natalie Lau, meanwhile, added 34 assists to surpass 400 on the season.
As a team, Cal recorded 11 total blocks, led by sophomore Sawyer Thomsen’s six, while senior Ellie Hamm and freshman Kate Mansfield each contributed five to help hold the Wolfpack (7-5, 2-2) to just .126 offensive efficiency – their lowest hitting percentage of the year. Senior Gianna Bartalo recorded a match-high 14 digs to further aid the Bears’ defensive efforts.
“Our communication was very effective and our gameplan went really well,” Li said. “I’m just really proud of everyone.”
Cal’s offense was at its best in the first set as the Bears hit .303, with Li posting four kills. Despite dropping the first point, Li’s first ace of the day gave the Blue & Gold a 2-1 lead that the home squad never relinquished. NC State was forced to call its first timeout after a kill from DeJardin brought the score to 9-5 but were able to close the gap to just one point at…
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