LOS ANGELES – Maggie Li posted a match-high 23 kills, Sam Taumoepeau recorded a career-and-match-high 18 digs and both Annalea Maeder and Tara DeSa notched double-doubles as the California volleyball team defeated UCLA on Sunday, 3-1 (25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23), to improve to 16-13 (5-13 Pac-12) and clinch a winning record.
Li had eight kills in both the first and last sets and posted the clinching point in all three of the Bears’ set wins, while also adding seven digs and two blocks. Freshman Sawyer Thomsen earned eight kills (tied with Taumoepeau for second-most on the team) and added four blocks, both career bests.
DeSa’s 12 assists was also a career high to go with her 16 digs, the latter of which improved her season total to 496 – fourth-best in program history. Maeder recorded stats in five categories with 34 assists, 15 digs, four kills, two aces and two blocks, while sophomore Sophie Scott powered Cal’s defense with seven total blocks, tying her season high.
The Bruins (16-12, 8-10) were led by sophomore Grayce Olson (19 kills) and senior Audrey Pak (41 assists, 15 digs).
UCLA scored first to start the match, but Li (who hit .500 in the first set) quickly took the lead for Cal with two straight kills. The Bears soon put together runs of four points and five points to jump out to a 16-8 lead, but UCLA responded by scoring 11 of the next 13 points to go ahead 19-18. It took one last 5-0 run for the Bears (including three kills from Li) to regain the advantage, 24-20;…
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