Order on the Court
Women’s volleyball takes care of business against no. 16 UCLA
Jarek Morgan / Assistant Sports Editor / The USD Vista
University of San Diego sports fans have waited so long to walk back onto the beautiful campus that USD has to offer, but really, everyone has been patiently waiting for the sports seasons to start. Something about thousands of fans supporting their university with pride is unmatched by any other feeling.
This week was great for USD sports, especially women’s volleyball, since being back in-person has reignited the passion arenas so desperately missed due to COVID-19. Simply put—sports are back, and student athletes are ready for action.
The volleyball team has not shied away from big competition this year. Opening their season against Texas, the number one team in the country, they set the bar high for themselves.
Their hard work and determination couldn’t have been more evident than during Thursday night’s upset victory against 16 ranked University of Californa, Los Angeles. It was a complete thriller that had everyone on their feet for a great five set match that took every ounce of hard work to pull out the win.
As soon as the game tipped off, it was clear that this was going to be a back-and-forth battle until the very end.
The first set got off to a great start and the teams were deadlocked 11-12 until USD sophomore setter, Isadora Terçariol, made an outstanding dig that shifted the rest of the game. The Toreros went on an 11-2 run to take care of game one 25-19.
Terçariol showed her true grit and determination from the first serve up until the final match point. She filled the stat sheet with 10 digs and 43 assists, leading to her third double-double of the season.
Terçariol emphasizd that USD volleyball has big goals for the season that go further than beating higher-ranked teams.
“UCLA was just the first step in our team’s bigger picture. This year we have something to prove. We have so much potential, and I trust this team so much. I really feel like this team is special and I’m so happy to be a part of it,” Terçariol said.
The second set was every bit of a nail-biter, and watching as a spectator was intense. It felt great to be back in the Jenny Craig Pavilion and listen to the roars of fans supporting their friends.
USD made a late rally to tie the second set at 23, but two, late, ferocious kills gave the Bruins set two at 26-24.
The third set was all USD, controlling the entire set with outstanding team play. UCLA did their best to cut into the comfortable lead with a five-point rally late in the match, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Toreros as they closed the set with a five-point run of their own to win the third set 25-20.
UCLA showed why they are ranked no. 16 in the nation in the fourth set, owning the floor and seeming to have found their groove with a commanding 25-19 win.
With the fifth set having the potential to go either way, the fans, and especially the USD Bull Pit crew, knew that the team needed to feel their presence and they happily answered the call.
The back and forth final set truly was a spectacle to see. Tied at 11, the Toreros found a way to dig deep and finish with a 4-1 run that sealed their victory.
The volleyball team has a lot to prove this year, having already battled with four of the nation’s top 25 teams. They have held their own each time and with Thursday’s win, they are well positioned to make another run at the national championship.
One thing is certain with this team: they are going to give it their all every time they step foot on the court.
Terçariol talked about the team’s mentality going into every match.
“For us, every game is important, each time we get together on the court we know that we are playing for each other, we are going to be there, and we are going to make sure that we have each other’s back,” Terçariol said.
Coach Alfred Reft, entering his second season as assistant coach with USD volleyball, made sure to acknowledge the impact of the fans’ presence as well as his team’s performance.
“It was great seeing everyone back in attendance supporting us tonight. We had a great game plan, and we executed it well. I can tell you that this was a great team win,” Reft said.
The Jenny Craig Pavilion has been quiet for way too long, and that is all going to change now that fans can go out and support their fellow student athletes again.
The Toreros will head north to play the University of Southern California away on Friday, Sept. 17 and will continue their road trip at Long Beach State University the following Saturday, Sept. 18. The game against LBSU will broadcast on ESPN+.
Look for USD’s return to the JCP on Sept. 23 to open their West Coast Conference schedule against St. Mary’s University.