USC Volleyball Begins Pac-12 Schedule Against UCLA

After going 10-1 to open the season, USC's women volleyball team is about to start their Pac-12 schedule, and as usual, the conference is one of the nation's toughest. USC is one of six Pac-12 teams ranked nationally and one of three in the top 10, alongside #2 Washington and #7 Stanford.

Tonight, USC will face UCLA in women's volleyball for the 100th time, in a rivalry that dates back to 1976. USC currently leads the all-time series 53-46, and under current head coach Mick Haley, USC is 9-3 in conference openers against the Bruins and 17-8 overall. Both teams have lost only one game this season, with both defeats coming on the road to top-10 ranked opponents. USC lost to #8 San Diego in four sets, while UCLA was swept by #6 Hawaii.

USC is having a giveaway for students to help fill the seats, but UCLA may be used to hostile environments. Their first home game doesn't come until October 2, and they have kept up a team hitting avg. of .288. The Bruins are 42-0 when their hitting average rises above .300, so it will be up to middle block Alexis Olgard and libero Natalie Hagglund to stop the Bruins' outside hitters.

Gametime is 7 PM PT, with the game being aired on ESPNU and ESPN3.com. The Bruins will also have a free webcast available as well.