News Summary
The No. 2 UCLA men’s volleyball team prepares to challenge Vanguard as they seek to extend their dominance in the MPSF conference. With a current record of 12-3, including a perfect 2-0 in MPSF play, the Bruins are looking to maintain their winning streak and continue their path towards another conference championship. Senior players highlight the Bruins’ defensive and offensive prowess, while Vanguard, a newcomer to MPSF, presents challenges with their key players. This upcoming matchup plays a crucial role in determining UCLA’s season success.
Los Angeles, CA – The No. 2 UCLA men’s volleyball team is set to face Vanguard in an upcoming match as they aim to extend their dominance in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) conference. The Bruins currently hold an impressive record of 12-3 overall, including a perfect 2-0 in MPSF play, while Vanguard’s record stands at 6-9 overall and 1-3 in the conference.
The matchup between UCLA and Vanguard is scheduled for Thursday at the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, followed by a rematch at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday. UCLA is eager to maintain their streak of three consecutive MPSF regular-season conference championships. Their recent performances against formidable opponents demonstrate their potential to achieve this goal.
In their latest outings, the Bruins secured MPSF victories against then-No. 10 Stanford, winning both matches decisively and allowing the Cardinal to take only one set across those games. Junior middle blocker Cameron Thorne highlighted the team’s approach, emphasizing the importance of winning decisively to conserve energy, which is critical as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.
Thorne has been instrumental in UCLA’s success, recently achieving a season-high of seven blocks, and he is currently averaging 4.27 blocks per game, ranking fourth nationally in that category. Additionally, redshirt junior outside hitter Cooper Robinson also contributed with a career-high of seven blocks and earned accolades as the AVCA Player of the Week for his significant performances.
The Bruins’ defense has shown marked improvement, particularly in their ability to limit opposing attacks. Against Stanford, UCLA held their opponents to a mere hitting percentage of 0.076 in one of the matches, showcasing their defensive prowess. This level of play could prove pivotal as they look to solidify their standing in the conference.
Making waves on the offensive end, setter Andrew Rowan recently returned from illness. His reinstatement is expected to boost the team’s offensive efficiency as they move closer to the conference tournament. Rowan, a former AVCA First Team All-American, ranks 20th nationally in assists per set with a solid average of 9.56, contributing heavily to the Bruins’ offensive strategy.
UCLA also boasts a strong hitting percentage, ranking fourth in the nation at 0.365. With a total of 107 service aces this season, the Bruins have showcased their attacking capability, though they have exceeded their opponents’ error count by 60, indicating room for improvement in execution moving forward. Zach Rama has noted the importance of clean play as they continue to build on their successes.
In contrast, Vanguard is a newcomer to the MPSF competition, having transitioned from the NAIA. The team has shown potential with key players such as setter Grant Dvorak and outside hitter Logan Freemon. Together, they have accounted for 269 kills this season, with Dvorak ranking 10th in the MPSF in kills per set with an average of 3.07.
UCLA’s aspirations go beyond mere regular-season success; they are looking to bounce back from last season when they fell to Grand Canyon in the MPSF tournament final. With their current form and the return of key players, UCLA is poised to enhance their performance this season and solidify their position as a powerhouse in collegiate volleyball.
As the Bruins head into these crucial matches against Vanguard, all eyes will be on their ability to maintain their winning streak and build momentum toward the upcoming conference tournament.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UCLA Men’s Basketball Unveils 2025-26 Big Ten Schedule
UCLA Men’s Volleyball Team Faces Challenges After NCAA Finals Loss
UCLA Men’s Volleyball Aims for Fourth Consecutive MPSF Title
UCLA Men’s Volleyball Program Continues to Thrive
Jamestown Men’s Volleyball Team Falls to Vanguard University
Vanguard University Unveils New Freed Center for Leadership and Service
Vanguard University Receives $900,000 Grant for Former Foster Youth
Vanguard University Opens Freed Center for Leadership and Service
Vanguard University Secures NCAA Division II Membership
UCLA Men’s Volleyball Team Prepares for Vanguard Matchup
Additional Resources
- UCLA Bruins – Match Against Vanguard
- Google Search: UCLA mens volleyball
- UCLA Bruins – Victory Over Vanguard
- Wikipedia: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation
- USC Trojans – Match Results Against Vanguard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Long Beach State – Upcoming Matches
- Google News: mens volleyball
- CUI Golden Eagles – Player Highlights Against Vanguard
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
