LA JOLLA (2-28) UC Santa Cruz hung tough early before being swept by sixth-ranked UC San Diego 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-10).

The first set was close with seven ties, including UCSC rallying to tie it at 17-all with a 6-1 run. After UCSC tied it again at 20-all on a block by Trevor Jackson and Aaron Fox, the Tritons finished with a 5-2 run to take the first set.

Set two was also close. UCSC was within 17-21 before UCSD finished with a 4-2 run to win set two. However, set three belonged to the Tritons, who used an 11-1 run midway to gain a 21-9 lead and squash UCSC's effort to extend the match.

Fox led UCSC with eight kills and the Slugs' only ace. Rowdy Lennon had six kills plus two assisted blocks. Tennessee Fulks had 18 assists.

Ryan Ka and Wyatt Harrison each had nine kills to ead the Tritons (13-3). Overall, UC San Diego hit .350 in the match compared to .031 by UCSC, and had six aces to the Slugs' one.

The Banana Slugs return home for Senior Day against Simpson on Sunday afternoon.