OREM, Utah – The UC Santa Barbara Women’s Volleyball team continued their spotless 2026 conference record on Thursday night at Utah Valley by coming away with a 3-0 sweep of the Wolverines. 

The first set was close through 7-7, but soon thereafter the Wolverines claimed the lead. Utah Valley stood up 14-8 over the Gauchos after making five points in a row. Santa Barbara made the five points right back and put themselves just one away at 13-14.

Another streak ensued, with five kills and an ace from the Gauchos putting them ahead at 19-16. The Gauchos stayed ahead, and kills by Sandrea Thomas, Gabi Martinez, and Emma McDermott brought them the first set. 

The Gauchos shone in the second, taking the set with a bigger difference at 25-19. It was once again knotted at 7-7, but this time the Gauchos stole the lead. They made it to 14-10, but the Wolverines caught up to tie at 14-14.

The rest of the set went to Santa Barbara, however, as they kept themselves several points ahead. The Gauchos made it six points ahead at 22-16, then finished another six points ahead at 25-29. 

Utah Valley pushed back more in the third set, reaching a tie at 9-9. Santa Barbara then sat a couple of points in front until the Wolverines tied it once more at 16-16. Utah Valley forged a temporary lead, from 18-16 to 21-20.

Sophia Wendlick propelled a kill to regain the lead at 22-21. The Wolverines pushed one more time to lock it at 24-24, but an attack error and final kill by Martinez won the set and match for the Gauchos. 

The Gauchos open Big West play 3-0 and move up above Cal Poly to sit third in the conference. 

Auburn Tomkinson achieved a pristine offensive stat line, making 15 kills from 20 attempts with no errors, hitting .750.  The tally is her best of the season. Gabi Martinez also hammered in 15 kills to co-lead the team and put up a solo block. 

Milan Rex tossed 21 assists and picked up 10 digs for a double-double. Youngblood also grabbed 10 digs to maintain her double-digit record. 

The Gauchos return to the court on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Sacramento State at 7:00 p.m.