The No. 16 University of Southern California women’s volleyball team defeated the Arizona Wildcats 3-1 (25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23) in their home opener on September 11, 2026, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. The victory extended USC’s winning streak over Arizona to 12 straight matches and improved the Trojans’ all-time record to 74-22 against the Wildcats.
USC displayed balanced and strong play across the roster, with five players tallying double-digit digs. Sophomore opposite Abigail Mullen led the effort by recording a double-double with 10 kills and 12 digs, along with two blocks and a service ace. She also scored the match-clinching kill in the fourth set.
Junior outside hitter London Wijay contributed her first double-double of the season with 14 kills, one block and 10 digs. Junior middle blocker Leah Ford hit an impressive .571, finishing with nine kills, three blocks and two service aces. Setter Lilli Etter had a career-high 47 assists and added 17 digs for her 22nd career double-double. Libero Taylor Deckert led all players with 18 digs and also added five assists and a service ace.
USC out-hit Arizona .229 to .183 and outpaced the Wildcats in kills (56-44), assists (52-37), digs (74-61) and service aces (7-5). Arizona led in blocks, 9-5. The Trojans maintained a steady lead throughout the match, securing the win despite a late charge from Arizona in the fourth set.
Following the victory, USC will host No. 23 Colorado on September 12 at 6 p.m. PT and play Oregon State on September 13 at 2 p.m. PT.
CSB Take
USC’s victory over Arizona underscores the team’s depth and defensive prowess, which are critical in the NCAA women’s volleyball landscape. Abigail Mullen’s standout double-double and her match-clinching kill highlight her growing leadership role as a sophomore. The Trojans’ solid statistical control across hitting, assists and digs points to a well-prepared squad poised for challenging matchups ahead, including their upcoming matches against ranked opponents. Continued balanced contributions from key players will be essential for USC to extend their strong start to the season.
Source: Original report
