USC entered its Oct. 26 match against Washington hoping to secure the 100th career victory for head coach Brad Keller. The Galen Center was packed with fans celebrating Kids’ Night, creating an energetic atmosphere from the opening serve. USC controlled much of the opening set, building an early lead while Washington stayed within striking distance. The Huskies’ efforts were not enough to slow the Trojans, as sophomore Mia Tvrdy led USC with six kills, followed by sophomore London Wijay with five. Freshman Reese Messer contributed 16 assists, helping USC post a .364 hitting percentage. The Trojans closed out the first set with a 25–18 victory.
“I like the way my team is progressing. I like the attitude… There’s a little bit more enjoyment than there was at the beginning of the season. I think we’re playing cleaner systems and it’s starting to capitalize,” Keller said.
Set two proved to be a back-and-forth battle, with Washington briefly taking control before USC responded. The teams traded points through multiple ties, eventually deadlocking at 23–23. A missed Washington serve tied the set at 24–24, before the Huskies regained the lead at 25–24. Wijay answered with a kill to tie it again at 25–25. Needing a two-point advantage to win the set, USC closed strong and secured the 27–25 victory.
The third set opened with equal intensity as both teams fought to gain momentum. Washington built a lead in an effort to extend the match to a fourth set. After USC tied the score at 19–19, Washington surged ahead once more. With the Galen Center falling silent late, the Huskies pulled away and closed out the set 25–21. Set four saw USC refocus in its push to seal the match. After a shaky start, the Trojans established a commanding lead and maintained control the rest of the way, never looking back. USC ultimately closed out the match with a decisive victory.
When asked about the team’s chemistry and the electric energy they bring to each match, Keller credited the bond and discipline the group has developed.
“I think they bring a ton of energy, compassion, and love, and they’re just very happy individuals. My whole team is happy, in my opinion,” Keller said. “I’ve got some really good kids, and they bring it… They are electric. It’s fun to coach them, and I recruited exactly what you are describing.”
