USC Men's Volleyball Dominates Menlo, Extends Winning Streak
In a commanding display at the Galen Center, the fourth-ranked USC men's volleyball team continued their impressive run, sweeping Menlo in straight sets (25-21, 25-16, 25-11). This victory marks the Trojans' sixth consecutive win and extends their set streak to 18, the longest under head coach Jeff Nygaard and second-longest in program history.
Key Performers
Senior outside hitter Dillon Klein led the charge with 10 kills on 19 swings, hitting at a .316 clip. His all-around performance included four blocks, four digs, and a service ace, marking his 75th career match with double-digit kills.
Redshirt junior opposite Noah Roberts contributed eight kills, four blocks, and two aces, while sophomore outside hitter Christian Connell added nine kills and six digs, hitting .350.
Junior middle blocker Thiago Zamprogno was a force at the net with six kills and five blocks, hitting an impressive .625.
Sophomore libero Johnny Dykstra anchored the defense with seven digs, and senior setter Ryan Sprague notched a double-double with 31 assists and 12 digs, setting the tone for the Trojans' efficient offense.
For Menlo, Max Jarrett led with nine kills, while Joshua Friedman, a former Trojan, added 16 assists and a service ace.
Match Breakdown
The Trojans showcased their dominance by hitting .312 compared to Menlo's .035. USC outperformed Menlo in every major statistical category, including kills, assists, digs, blocks, and service aces.
The first set was a tight battle with 11 ties and four lead changes, but USC's .500 hitting percentage helped them secure a 25-21 win. Klein and Connell were pivotal, each tallying five kills.
In the second set, despite both teams committing errors, USC's blocking and service game were decisive, leading to a 25-16 victory. Roberts and Tomkinson were key contributors.
The Trojans sealed the sweep with a dominant 25-11 win in the third set. USC's defense stifled Menlo, holding them to a negative hitting percentage. Sprague's exceptional nine digs in the set highlighted his defensive prowess.
Looking Ahead
USC will host No. 14 Stanford for two home matches next week, promising more thrilling volleyball action. The Trojans aim to continue their winning momentum against a strong conference rival.
Additional Notes
- USC remains undefeated against Menlo, improving to 4-0 all-time.
- The Trojans boast an 11-2 record at the Galen Center this season.
- This victory marks USC's 10th straight-set sweep of the year.
- The current streak of 18 consecutive set wins is the longest under Nygaard and second in school history, only surpassed by the 1991 team's 21-set streak.
For more updates and the complete schedule, visit USCTrojans.com/MVB and follow @USCMensVolley on social media.