Coming off a big win against UC Riverside, the Matadors took on the UC Davis Aggies on Saturday night and utilized that momentum in their match against the Aggies.

However, the Matadors struggled to stay in the match against a strong UC Davis team. They were ultimately swept and lost 25-7, 25-16, 25-16.

The loss puts the Matadors at 11-8 overall and 4-4 in conference play.

CSUN took the first two points of the match, starting their set off with a very strong performance defensively and offensively, making a statement and showing the Aggies (12-4 overall, 8-0 conference) that this would be a tough match.

However, the Aggies were not phased by the Matadors’ powerful start and quickly scored, tying up the match at 2-2. Shortly thereafter, CSUN struggled to rally and continued to spike the ball out of bounds, putting them at an 8-2 deficit against the Aggies.

Opposite Leah Miller led CSUN in kills with nine on the day, as outside hitter Hailey Brockway followed suit with six and middle blocker Hayley Ogden sat at four.

The Matadors could not find a way to work around the Aggies seemingly impenetrable defense. As a result, Davis took advantage of this and secured a comfortable 13-5 lead.

CSUN’s defense struggled, giving up two consecutive points and shortly thereafter took a timeout to regroup. No matter what adjustments the Matadors made, the Aggies found a way to score on them.

The second set seemed to give CSUN the boost they needed to tie up the match five times, making Davis have to work to keep themselves in the lead.

The Matadors and Aggies battled back and forth in the second set with no one being able to maintain a significant lead. CSUN rallied to a 5-3 lead, finally getting to a slightly comfortable position.

Amidst several defensive struggles, the Matadors fell to a 23-16 deficit and created a difficult environment for the team. Their struggle to get the ball in bounds helped the Aggies win set two 25-16.

The Matadors lost in set three in a similar fashion with difficulties getting points on the board and keeping the Aggies from scoring.

CSUN head coach Aquiles Montoya spoke on the outcome of the match and said the team looks to improve for next week’s matchup against Long Beach State.

“Davis, they’re a well-oiled machine. They have great experience, leadership and very physical athletes. We are building to try and become that, ultimately that’s the goal.” he said. “It’s not something to hang our head over too much, although frustrating to get your tail kicked that way … I have confidence that we should be able to bounce back.”

The Matadors will face off against Long Beach State at home on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. and look to set a new tone moving forward. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.