Bruin Women Fight Back, Down Trojans in Volleyball

Down two games to none, the UCLA Bruins fought back to beat crosstown rival USC in Division I women’s volleyball play Friday night before 5,528 at Pauley Pavilion.

USC took the first two games, 15-9 and 15-8, before the Bruins came charging back to win the third game, 16-14. UCLA won the fourth game, 15-13, and fought back to win the final game, 15-13.

The Bruins were without Michelle Boyette, their star setter, who missed the game with mononucleosis. And it seemed to make a difference early as the Bruins were very slow to get in the rhythm of the game.

The Trojans’ Leslie Devereaux kept the Bruins off stride with a game-leading five blocks and nine assists. But in the end, the depth of the UCLA bench was too much for the Trojans.

The victory improved UCLA’s record to 15-3 while USC is now 13-7.