Just last weekend, UCLA sand volleyball completely swept the Stanford Invitational Tournament, winning its three matchups of the team tournament and all three divisions of the pairs tournament.
This weekend, the Bruins head to their third invitational of the season, though this one is much closer to home.
The Pac-12 Invitational, to be held in Santa Monica, brings the Bruins back to familiar turf. This is the first year the team has called Sunset Canyon Recreation Center its home court. In the years prior, the team traveled to the same beaches at Annenberg Community Beach House that they will see this weekend to hold practice and home matches.
Meeting them there will be USC, Arizona and California. While UCLA defeated Cal 4-1 earlier this month, the team as a whole has yet to face USC or Arizona this season.
Last season, UCLA fell to USC in a 5-0 sweep two times over the course of the year. This season, UCLA’s freshman Elise Zappia and fifth-year senior Madie Smith defeated a USC team at the Dad Center Invitational, as did junior Kamila Tan and freshman Ivey Schmitt. This is Arizona’s second season as a team and its first time playing UCLA.
After team play, the pairs tournament will begin Sunday, where the Bruins hope to defend their undefeated title from last weekend.
Compiled by Alexis Williams, Bruin Sports contributor.