RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Amarachi Osuji led UC Riverside with 13 kills and 14 points but the Highlanders could not hold back UC Santa Barbara Thursday night as UCR fell to the Gauchos in straight sets, 20-25, 19-25, 17-25, at SRC Arena.
Thursday's match resulted in the Highlanders' fifth straight loss to the Gauchos (11-8, 7-0 Big West) and their eighth straight loss overall, their fifth defeat in a row at home and 12th consecutive loss for UCR (4-13, 0-7 Big West) in conference play. Despite the adversity, the team showed the kind of fight that bodes for better outcomes as the season continues.
The Highlanders have an opportunity to change their course Saturday against CSUN, with play getting underway at 5 p.m. to conclude the current homestand at SRC Arena. The team then heads back on the road Friday, Oct. 22, to Long Beach State for a 7 p.m. start.