Fredericksburg, VA – The UC Santa Cruz women's volleyball team earned a hard-fought 3-1 (25-20, 16-25, 25-19, 27-25) victory against Christopher Newport University and later secured a 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 30-28) victory over the University of Mary Washington. The Banana Slugs showcased their depth and resilience, bouncing back after a tough second set to take control of the match and secure the win.
 
UC Santa Cruz 3, Christopher Newport 1
The first set saw UCSC come out strong, recording nine kills and closing out the set 25-20. The Banana Slugs kept a steady lead, maintaining pressure on CNU with contributions from multiple players on offense.
 
However, Christopher Newport responded in the second set, jumping to an early 5-2 lead. Despite UCSC's efforts, CNU held firm, taking the set 25-16 with a commanding performance. UCSC managed eight kills but couldn't stop the opposition's momentum.
 
The Slugs found their rhythm again in the third set, recording 15 kills to take the set 25-19. The team's offensive firepower, led by Ashley Magley and Kelly Ann Greene, helped them pull away from CNU and regain the upper hand in the match.
 
The fourth set was the most thrilling, as both teams traded points in a highly competitive back-and-forth battle. UCSC managed 17 kills in the set, and after a tense finish, they edged out CNU 27-25, sealing the match victory in dramatic fashion.
 
Key Performers
• Kills: Ashley Magley (11), Kelly Ann Greene (10), Kate Lau (9)
• Aces: Kelly Ann Greene (4), Abigail Lee (3), Anna Hospodar (2)
• Assists: Margo Melgoza (22), Michaela Augustine (19)
• Digs: Kate Lau (19), Anna Hospodar (13)

UC Santa Cruz 3, Mary Washington 0
The first set began with a quick 3-0 lead for UCSC, but the Eagles fought back to take an 8-5 lead. However, UCSC responded with a solid offensive performance, amassing 12 kills to reclaim control. The Banana Slugs closed out the set 25-21, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
 
In the second set, UC Santa Cruz was down 2-5 early, but the team again rallied to turn the tide. With a balanced attack that featured 14 kills, UCSC surged ahead and finished the set 25-17, putting them in a commanding position.
 
The third set was the most intense of the match. UCSC and Mary Washington traded points throughout, but neither team could pull away. The Slugs' determination showed as they recorded an impressive 21 kills in the set. The Eagles fought hard, pushing the set into extra points, but UCSC held firm, winning 30-28 to complete the sweep.
 
Key Performers
• Kills: Kate Lau (10), Heidi Collins (9), Ashley Magley (8), Drew Bryant (8)
• Assists: Margo Melgoza (22), Michaela Augustine (18)
• Digs: Anna Hospodar (16), Kate Lau (7)

What's Up Next
The Banana Slugs will look to continue their winning form in their upcoming match at home on October 19th against Feather River College.