![\"Loyola](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1788149052_488_LMU_LogoUpdated.png\")
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Next Match:<\/p>\n
vs. Loyola Marymount<\/p>\n
9\/3\/2026 | 7 PM<\/p>\n
\n Sep. 03 (Thu) \/ 7 PM
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\n vs.\u00a0Loyola Marymount
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History <\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n BERKELEY, Calif.\u2014UC San Diego women’s volleyball defeated Gonzaga, 3-1, on Sunday afternoon in Haas Pavilion. The Tritons (2-1) wrapped up their opening weekend at the Gael Bear Classic, topping the Bulldogs (1-2) by set scores of 25-17, 21-25, 25-21, and 25-17. The Tritons’ offensive performance was highlighted by a .394 attack percentage in the third set and 11 service aces in the contest.
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\nMolly McCluskey<\/a> led UC San Diego once again with 15 kills on 30 attempts, finishing with 17.5 points. Ireland McNees<\/a> added 11 kills, eight digs and totaled 15 points, while Yasemin Elmas<\/a> contributed significantly by recording three service aces and a .545 hitting percentage on 11 swings. Brynne McGhie<\/a> orchestrated the offense effectively, accumulating 32 assists and added 13 digs for her first double-double of the season. Dillyn Griffin<\/a> finished with 10 digs, while Lucia Barroso<\/a> tallied a match-high six blocks.
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\nHOW IT HAPPENED
\nUC San Diego overcame an early 0-4 deficit to take control of the opening set. Elmas highlighted an eight-point scoring run with consecutive service aces, propelling the Tritons to an 8-4 lead. A McCluskey kill sparked a four-point run midway through the set, topped with another Elmas ace to give the Tritons an 18-10 advantage. Despite a brief rally from the Bulldogs, UC San Diego maintained its momentum, closing the set with a service ace by McGhie to secure a 25-17 victory.
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\nUC San Diego carried the momentum into the second set, establishing an early 7-3 lead at 7-3. McGhie continued to facilitate the offense efficiently, contributing to a 19-16 advantage. However, Gonzaga responded with a late surge, overtaking the Tritons with a series of errors and a pair of aces, concluding the set at 25-21 in favor of GU.
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\nUC San Diego opened the third set decisively with a strong offensive run, quickly establishing a 4-0 lead behind two kills from Elmas. Gonzaga rallied back to take the lead 7-5. However, the Tritons responded with a series of points, highlighted by kills from McNees and Gia Rivera<\/a> to regain the lead, 10-8. As the set progressed, UC San Diego continued to maintain their advantage. McCluskey and Barroso made impactful contributions with kills that pushed the score to 22-17. Despite Gonzaga’s attempts to close the gap, UC San Diego secured the set, 25-21, with a final block by Barroso and McCluskey.\u00a0
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\nIn the fourth set, UC San Diego built an early 5-2 lead, aided by a service ace from McNees and a kill by Madison Johnson<\/a>. Baillie’s performance at the service line proved critical, as her ace and subsequent pressure led to a 9-3 lead. McCluskey delivered a decisive series of plays, including two kills and a service ace, pushing UC San Diego ahead 16-7. Despite a brief rally by the Bulldogs narrowing the gap to 23-16, the Tritons maintained control. McCluskey’s final kill sealed the set at 25-17, concluding the match with UC San Diego’s victory.
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\nTRITON TIDBITS<\/p>\n