University of Oregon
UCLA
No. 3 UCLA Ends Oregon's Winning Streak
09/21/06 | Women's Volleyball
EUGENE, Ore. – Sophomore hitter Ali Daley had match-highs of 16 kills and 18.0 points, and senior blocker Nana Meriwether added 15.0 points on 10 kills and nine total blocks as the No. 3 UCLA Bruins handed the Oregon Ducks their first defeat of the year, 3-0, Thursday night at McArthur Court.
The Bruins (14-0, 1-0 Pac-10), who have yet to play a home match in 2006, ended the Ducks (10-1, 0-1) school record-tying winning streak in the first conference match of the year for both teams, 30-22, 30-13 and 30-20.
Sophomore outside hitter Mira Djuric led Oregon with 12.0 points on 12 kills, and hit a team-high .267. Sophomore libero Katie Swoboda led all players with 20 digs.
“We did not play to the best of our ability and we are not happy with the result,” said second-year head coach Jim Moore. “But UCLA is ranked third in the country for a reason and they demonstrated that tonight.”
Sophomore setter Nellie Spicer guided the Bruin attack with 41 assists and also added four kills, eight digs and three block assists. UCLA's front line, led by Meriwether, stifled the Ducks throughout, racking up 18 total blocks.
Freshman Neticia Enesi joined Djuric with double-digit points, finishing with 10.0 on nine kills and an ace.
The Bruins out-hit the Ducks, .258 to .015, and held Oregon to six blocks.
“We got off to a tremendous start (this season) and had a great practice on Thursday,” Moore said. “I'm convinced that we are still that team and will learn from this going forward.”
The Ducks continue their first Pac-10 homestand on Friday, hosting the No. 7 USC Women of Troy.
