The San Diego State University Aztecs women’s volleyball team suffered a narrow 3-2 loss to the University of Arizona Wildcats in their 2026 home opener at Peterson Gym on September 18. Arizona rallied from two sets down to win 25-16, 25-19, 18-25, 19-25, 15-8 in a tightly contested five-set match.
San Diego State dominated early with a combined .384 hitting percentage in the first two sets, propelled by senior outside hitter Ella Schabort who tied her collegiate best with 19 kills. Annabelle De Jager delivered a career-best 13 kills and a .750 hitting percentage in the second set. Laylan Austin achieved her third double-double of the season with 11 kills and 14 digs, while Taelyn Bentley hit .421 with 10 kills and six block assists. Setter Kendall Mairs also posted a double-double, tallying 39 assists and a career-high 20 digs.
The Aztecs’ offense stalled over the final three sets, posting a negative -.038 hitting percentage that allowed Arizona to mount a comeback. Wildcats contributors included Renee Jones with 11 kills and five block assists and Journey Tucker who added eight kills and a match-high eight blocks. Setter Maria Olga Siapani orchestrated the Wildcats’ offense with a double-double of 24 assists and 10 digs.
Arizona took control in the fifth set with a critical 7-1 run that shifted a 5-4 deficit into an 11-6 lead. Despite holding a 63-48 overall kill advantage, San Diego State’s 39 attack errors compared to Arizona’s 18 and fewer team blocks (9 to 13) undermined their effort. Arizona extended its winning streak against San Diego State to six consecutive matches with the comeback victory.
San Diego State will face the University of San Diego Toreros at Jenny Craig Pavilion on September 19 at 7 p.m. PT as the Aztecs seek to rebound from the close defeat.
CSB Take
San Diego State’s strong start highlighted their offensive capabilities but unforced errors and a decline in hitting efficiency proved costly. Arizona’s defensive adjustments and momentum in blocking played a decisive role in reclaiming control. Going forward, minimizing attack errors and sustaining offensive production through all sets will be critical for the Aztecs to secure victories in tight matches.
Source: Original report
