No. 19 Cougars beat 21st-ranked UCLA in four sets

McKenna Woodford had 15 kills and Penny Tusa finished with 14 kills, 16 digs and three service aces to propel the 19th-ranked Washington State Cougars to a 25-19, 27-29, 28-26, 25-21 victory over the 21st-ranked UCLA Bruins in Pac-12 Conference volleyball action on Thursday in Los Angeles.

Ashley Brown totaled 49 assists for the Cougars (19-6, 10-5), while Alexis Dirige notched 26 digs and Claire Martin added five blocks.

WSU swept the season series with the Bruins (12-10, 7-8).

Mac May had a match-high 18 digs for UCLA, while Zana Muno led all players with 38 digs. Kylie Miller piled up 56 assists.

“A lot of back-and-forth … a hard, hard fought victory against a great team,” said Cougars head coach Jen Greeny. “We always talk about it, especially anytime you’re on the road in this conference, and you can get a win, it’s huge.”

Next up for the Cougars is a match against Southern Cal on Sunday in Los Angeles. WSU, which is currently tied with the Oregon Ducks for third place in the conference, trails the second-place Trojans by one game.