The No. 4 USC Trojans continued their winning streak Saturday, defeating No. 3 Cal Poly 4-1 and sweeping Concordia University Irvine 5-0 at Merle Norman Stadium. With these victories, USC improves to an 8-2 record on the season.
Dominating Performance at the Battle for LA
USC secured wins on nine of ten courts during the second day of the Battle for LA, demonstrating considerable depth in their lineup. Against Cal Poly, the Trojans quickly gained an advantage, winning the first four matches to secure the dual victory, with Cal Poly earning their single point at the No. 1 position.
Ella Connor and Erin Inskeep of Cal Poly won their match against Zoey Henson and Sarah Wood of USC with scores of 30-28 and 20-11. But, USC responded strongly in subsequent matches.
Key Victories Seal the Day
Kaileigh Truslow and Kerry Keefe secured the first win for USC at No. 4, defeating Elise Lenahan and Quinn Perry 21-18, 21-17. Ashley Pater and Kennedy Coakley then won a hard-fought match at No. 2, 21-14, 34-32, which proved pivotal in securing the lead. Alana Embry and Quincy Stephens added to USC’s lead with a 21-19, 21-17 win at No. 3.
Kyra Zaengle and Calinda Kok clinched the dual against Cal Poly at No. 5, winning 21-17, 21-12. In the afternoon match against Concordia Irvine, USC continued their dominance, winning all five matches in straight sets.
Henson and Wood rebounded at No. 1, defeating Olivia Medina and Aliyah Moore 21-9, 21-15. Pater and Coakley continued their strong performance, winning 22-20, 21-10. New pairings Macy Bolyard and Madison Goellner, as well as Bella Satterwhite and Kerry Keefe, also secured wins at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively, marking their first time competing together this season.
Zaengle and Kok remained undefeated as a pair, winning their match at No. 5 with a score of 21-7, 21-14. USC has now won four consecutive duals after facing a challenging schedule of nationally ranked opponents.
Looking Ahead
USC is scheduled to return to action Tuesday, hosting Stetson and a rematch against CSUN. The Trojans will continue their winning streak, but the outcome will depend on their ability to maintain their current level of play and adapt to their opponents’ strategies. A continued focus on strong pairings and consistent performance could be key to future success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was USC’s overall record after Saturday’s matches?
USC’s record is now 8-2.
Which pair remained undefeated for USC this season?
Kyra Zaengle and Calinda Kok remained undefeated as a pair this season.
How many courts did USC win overall on Saturday?
USC won nine of ten courts on Saturday.
What factors might contribute to USC’s continued success in beach volleyball?