University of San Francisco Athletics

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco volleyball team travels to Southern California this week as the second half of the West Coast Conference season continues with two matches, first at Loyola Marymount on Thursday night, then up the Pacific Coast Highway at Pepperdine on Saturday.
 
MATCH 22 INFORMATION
Date/Time: Thursday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Opponent: Loyola Marymount
Site: Gersten Pavilion (Los Angeles)
Live video: https://bit.ly/2OGtcON
Live stats: https://bit.ly/2JbSQVC
 
MATCH 23 INFORMATION
Date/Time: Saturday, Oct. 27, Noon
Opponent: Pepperdine
Site: Malibu, Calif. (Firestone Fieldhouse)
Live video: https://bit.ly/2OJ6tla
Live stats: https://bit.ly/2LNayi2
 
THE WEEKEND DIG
 
San Francisco (8-13, 1-9 WCC) saw the return of Kathya Garcia last week and it promptly showed, as the Dons took sets in both of its matches last week. USF has been competitive throughout its current nine-match losing streak, finishing within six points or less (25-19 or closer) in 13 of the 27 sets it has dropped during the streak.
 
Loyola Marymount (15-6, 5-5 WCC) has lost three straight – all via sweeps – heading into Thursday's matchup. The Lions went 10-1 through their non-conference schedule with the only blemish coming on a neutral court versus a top-25 team. But they've played just .500 ball since starting conference play. The Lions swept USF in their first matchup back on Sept. 29, but not before having to fight off the Dons in a very tight first set that went into extra points at 26-24.
 
Pepperdine (13-7, 7-3 WCC) was riding high going into last week, sitting in second place in the WCC and cruising on a five-match winning streak. But they ran into the buzz saw of defending co-WCC champions San Diego and No. 1-ranked BYU, suffering back-to-back sweeps. Pepperdine fought off San Francisco in a tough match on Sept. 27, with three of four sets decided by six points or less.
 
COMING UP
The Dons return home next week for their final home stand of the year, hosting Gonzaga and Portland. Gonzaga visits on Nov. 1, then Portland comes for Senior Day on Nov. 3. Fans can purchase tickets and find live coverage links on USFDons.com.