LAS VEGAS – UC Riverside played a step ahead of host UNLV for most of Thursday night's opener at Dig In The Desert, and chopped through plenty of adverse conditions on the way to a gritty 3-1 victory at Cox Pavilion. 

UCR battled UNLV neck and neck in set one to open the two-match trip until breaking free with a 5-1 run. Andrea Brewer's second kill of the spurt put UC Riverside up 13-9, and the Highlanders continued pushing steam to enter the media break at 15-12. UNLV crept back in after the intermission, though, and set up a dramatic finish to close the frame at 29-27. 

The Highlanders started set two to a tune of a 5-2 advantage after back-to-back aces from Sophia Ewalefo. UCR stayed ahead of the curve with a multi-point cushion for the duration of the set and forced a timeout at 17-12 after a pivotal block from Brewer and Layla Hooks. 

Another close end to a set awaited UCR against Thursday's hosts in set two, but with a different outcome. The Highlanders called for time at 22-22 and Izzy Jeffery reclaimed set point with a solo block before another extended play set went UCR's way. 

The Highlanders opened set three with more of a challenge, but not before Ewalefo took charge with her eighth and ninth kills. The Las Vegas native's two attacks in the midst of a 5-0 run helped UC Riverside stay ahead entering the media break. Ewalefo continued her homecoming with an 11th kill that put UCR ahead 2-1 in the match. 

UCR found itself unlucky to start set four, but kept chopping with a 5-0 run to stay within striking distance. Misu Nguyen's ace extended the run to 11-2 and tied the set at 19 before the Highlanders powered through for the win. 

UC Riverside closes the 2025 non-conference schedule on Friday afternoon with a 4:00 pm first serve against Southern Utah from Cox Pavilion. Live stats will be available on GoHighlanders.com and fans can watch the match on YouTube.