UCLA volleyball defeats Illinois 3-1 to snap four-match losing streak

UCLA Volleyball Forges Road Victory Over Illinois, Snaps Four-Match Skid

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The UCLA women’s volleyball team silenced the crowd inside Huff Hall on Thursday night, rallying from a first-set deficit to defeat Illinois 3-1 in a crucial Big Ten road match. According to a report from UCLA Athletics, the Bruins (16-8, 7-6 Big Ten) overcame a slow start to dominate the net, securing a 17-25, 25-15, 25-21, 26-24 victory that halted a four-match losing streak.

The victory keeps the Bruins’ perfect record against the Illini intact, improving to 15-0 all-time in the series, while Illinois (16-8, 8-5 Big Ten) saw its own momentum checked.

The Turning Point: A Net-Dominated Comeback

The story of the match was UCLA’s ability to adjust after the opening set. The Bruins were completely outplayed in the first frame, hitting a dismal .069 while Illinois capitalized on early opportunities to build a commanding lead. The Illini opened the set on a 6-1 run and later extended it to 15-10 at the first media timeout, cruising to a 25-17 victory. UCLA trailed by 10 kills, 60-50, in the first set, showing one-sided play.

Fueled by a blistering .500 hitting percentage, UCLA’s offense ignited. Back-to-back kills from Mija Bendziute and an ace from Ava Sarafa sparked a 3-0 run that gave the Bruins an early lead they would never relinquish. The turning point, as described by both outlets, was the impact of Hazel Alevok off the bench. Alevok hammered home a kill and then teamed with Jordyn Johnson for back-to-back blocks, igniting a surge that stretched the lead to 14-6. The Bruins cruised to a 25-15 set victory, evening the match and shifting all the momentum.

Illinois seized an early 4-1 advantage, but UCLA fought back, thanks in large part to the defensive presence of Jordyn Johnson. The sophomore recorded emphatic blocks to even the score at 6-6. After trading surges, UCLA created separation with a decisive 4-1 run late in the set, capped by a Kat Lutz ace, to take a commanding 2-1 lead in the match.

The Decisive Set: A Dramatic Finish

The fourth set was a true nail-biter, defined by eight ties and four lead changes. Illinois opened on a 6-1 run, but Bendziute and Urzua quickly trimmed the deficit. The Illini answered with a 3-0 spurt, extending their lead to 15-10 at the first media timeout. Facing a 22-18 deficit, the Bruins mounted a late comeback. A string of three straight points, capped by a Marianna Singletary block, pulled UCLA within one. After Illinois fought off a match point, Bendziute delivered back-to-back kills to set up a second chance. On the final point, the exclamation mark came from an unlikely source. Freshman Hazel Alevok, who had already made a huge impact, soared for a solo block to seal the dramatic 26-24 set victory and secure the match for UCLA, as BVM Sports highlighted.

UCLA’s defense at the net was the story of the night, as the team recorded a season-high 16.5 blocks. This dominant presence held Illinois to a .247 hitting percentage for the match.

“The Bruins turned a difficult road match into a statement win by controlling the net and finding its composure late, giving the Bruins momentum heading into a matchup with ranked Purdue.”

Mija Bendziute and Eliana Urzua paced the Bruins with 12 kills apiece, while Jordyn Johnson anchored the blocking effort with a career-high nine blocks in just her second start of the season.

What’s Next: A Test Against a Ranked Foe

After struggling through a four-match losing streak, the Bruins have found their rhythm at the perfect time. UCLA Athletics confirmed that the Bruins return to action on Saturday, Nov. 7, when they travel to West Lafayette, Ind., to take on No. 14 Purdue. First serve is set for 5 p.m. PT on the Big Ten Network.

This matchup against a ranked opponent represents the next true test for this UCLA team. The road victory over Illinois proves they can win on the road and execute under pressure. The question now is whether they can carry that momentum into a game against a top-15 team. With the net defense clicking and the offense finding its rhythm, the Bruins have all the pieces in place to make a strong push as they head into the final stretch of the conference season.