Round One Recaps - UC Irvine vs. Sacramento State

UC IRVINE 3, SACRAMENTO STATE 0

Stockton, CA - Defense was the main objective for UC Irvine in the opening round of the 2017 NIVC. Fifty-two digs for the Anteaters played a huge role in UC Irvine's 3-0 sweep of Sacramento State to advance to Round 2.

Two stars emerged on both offense and defense for UC Irvine on Tuesday night. Harlee Kekauoha and Makayla Wolfe both found themselves in double figure kill totals at the end of the night with 14 and 10, respectively. On the defense end, it was Ali Koumelis (15 digs) and Luna Tsujimoto  (12 digs) who's quick reactions kept giving the offense more opportunities to score.

The Hornet's front line came up with nine blocks in the contest, doubling UC Irvine's total. Kennedy Kurtz finished with a team-high 18 assists and added three kills on the night as well for the lone Big Sky Conference representative.

​The Anteaters await the winner of Boise State and the region's host, Pacific. The Round 2 matchup is set for Wednesday, November 29, at 7 p.m. ET.