Box Score RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Highlanders showed characteristic resilience Friday night at the UC Riverside Volleyball Classic, where UCR (2-3, 0-0 Big West) defeated Southern Utah, 3-1, in the first home event for volleyball at SRC Arena since Nov. 2019.
 
Prior to the Highlanders' 25-17, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22 win over the Thunderbirds (3-5, 0-0 Big Sky).to end day one at the 2021 Classic, a neutral match at noon saw Southern Utah take a four-set decision over New Orleans .
 
Friday night was the fourth all-time meeting between UCR and Southern Utah, with UCR now up, 3-1, in the series. The Highlanders were led by 10 kills from Madison Lounds (.529) before she exited the match with an injury late in the final set. Double-digit digs were recorded by Isabella Scarlett (19), Zoey Seput (14), Mia Christensen and Mylei Vargas-Deason (11). Amarachi Osuji served 3 aces for UC Riverside.
 
The Classic continues Saturday as UC Riverside hosts New Orleans at 12 p.m. The noon matchup will be the first meeting between New Orleans and UC Riverside.
 
The Highlanders will then move quickly from hosts to visitors, as UCR hustles across town to California Baptist University for a 7 p.m. nightcap at Van Dyne Gym to finish the four-team, two venue weekend.
 
Fans can follow Saturday's action beginning at 12 p.m. against New Mexico via livestats at GoHighlanders.com. The 7 p.m. match at CBU is available on livestream via ESPN3.