UC San Diego women’s volleyball (11-14, 7-7 Big West) hosts Cal State Bakersfield (13-13, 8-6 Big West) at LionTree Arena on Friday, Nov. 13, giving the team a chance to get revenge for its 3-1 loss earlier in the season. With less than two weeks before the Big West Championship, this crucial game against closely matched rival Bakersfield could prove consequential for UCSD’s postseason hopes. Currently, the Tritons sit at seventh in the Big West standings, while Bakersfield is just ahead in fifth place. A Triton win could propel UCSD toward a highly contested sixth place and a postseason berth.
Last season, the Tritons missed out on the postseason after finishing ninth in the Big West standings. The Tritons have only made it to the Big West Championship once — in 2024, when they lost in the first round to Long Beach State. Now, with new head coach Spencer McLachlin at the helm, UCSD has the chance to get itself into the top six to qualify for the championship tournament.
The Tritons will have to bounce back from Saturday’s loss against Sacramento State in their matchup with the Roadrunners. Though UCSD will still have more opportunities in Big West play after Friday, Bakersfield will serve as a litmus test for the feasibility of Triton postseason ambitions.