EUGENE, Ore. — The Oregon Ducks were ready to face the UCLA Bruins for the second time this season, and once again, they came out on top. After sweeping UCLA on Oct. 27 in Los Angeles, Oregon defended its home court at Matthew Knight Arena with power, energy and precision, fueled by standout hitter Valentina Vaulet, who brought relentless force on both the outside and right side.
The night began with energy and pride as “Social Insecurity,” part of the Cascade Chorus, performed the national anthem for Oregon’s annual Women in Flight game, a celebration of women’s athletics.
From the opening serve, the Ducks set the tone. They stormed through the first set 25-9, led by a dominant block from Sophia Meyers and assists from Cora Taylor. Vaulet ignited the crowd with a line kill that sent the ball screaming past UCLA’s defense. Iva Sucurovic delivered a crushing middle hit before Alanah Clemente closed the set with a pinpoint ace.
The second set brought tighter competition, but Oregon’s composure prevailed. UCLA clawed back early, yet strong passing from Natalie Fukumoto and Reese Sheppard allowed Oregon to maintain control. Vaulet’s topspin serve kept the Bruins off balance, and her confident swings forced defensive errors. Down the stretch, four straight service errors from the Bruins opened the door for Oregon, which clinched the set 25-22 after an attack error from UCLA’s Eliana Urzua. As “Shout” echoed through the arena, the Ducks’ momentum was undeniable.
UCLA responded in the third set, pushing Oregon into long rallies and forcing the Ducks to fight from behind. Early on, Vaulet’s solo block and two successful challenges from head coach Trent Kersten gave Oregon a spark, but UCLA rallied back. A spectacular diving save from Clemente set up another explosive Vaulet kill that reignited the Ducks. Despite their effort, UCLA edged out the set 25-23, setting up a crucial fourth.
The final set showcased Oregon’s grit and Vaulet’s dominance. Shifting to the right side, she delivered kill after kill, her power unmatched. Clemente added two aces, and Sucurovic pounded the middle to keep the Ducks ahead. As the score tightened late, Oregon stayed composed. When UCLA was called out of rotation on match point, Oregon sealed the 25-21 win and the match, 3-1, improving to 14-9 on the season while UCLA fell to 13-10.
After the game, head coach Trent Kersten praised his team’s relentless focus and resilience.
“How much better can we get tomorrow? Let’s celebrate this tonight,” he said. “That’s the challenge for this team over the next three weeks – to stay present, stay connected, and be believed in.”
Kersten also emphasized the team’s underdog mentality, a driving force behind its success.
“This team wasn’t supposed to be any good, so why not just let it rip!” he said.
Outside hitter Alanah Clemente echoed her coach’s message of effort and belief.
“The worst thing I can do for my team is not give 100 percent,” she said.
On a night celebrating Women in Flight, Oregon embodied the program’s spirit: fierce, fearless, and determined. As Kersten put it best after the win, “Let’s hit the gas pedal, and let’s go.”