Amber Aniston • May 3, 2026

UC Irvine Upsets No. 1 UCLA in Five Sets to Win NCAA Los Angeles Regional

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — UC Irvine delivered a dramatic and resilient performance Saturday night, defeating No. 1 UCLA in five sets (25–23, 19–25, 25–23, 19–25, 16–14) to win the NCAA Los Angeles Regional at Pauley Pavilion. 


The Anteaters improved to 20–8 on the season and advanced to the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship semifinals, while UCLA concluded its season at 29–2 after one of the most competitive matches of the tournament. 


Tight Opening Set Goes to UC Irvine 


The match opened with a closely contested first set, as both teams exchanged points and maintained a narrow margin. UC Irvine established an early advantage through efficient offense and strong net play. 


UCLA responded late with a surge that briefly gave it control, but UC Irvine executed in the final moments to close out the set 25–23. The opening frame set the tone for a match defined by tight scoring and momentum swings. 


UCLA Responds with Strong Second Set 


UCLA answered in the second set with improved offensive efficiency and defensive execution. The Bruins built momentum with a mid-set run that created separation and forced UC Irvine into a defensive position. 


Sean Kelly played a key role during the stretch, contributing multiple kills as UCLA maintained control. The Bruins extended their lead and secured a 25–19 victory to even the match at one set apiece. 


The response demonstrated UCLA’s ability to adjust and regain momentum. 


UC Irvine Regains Edge in Third Set 


The third set featured another tightly contested battle, with both teams trading points and maintaining a narrow margin. UC Irvine gained control through efficient attacking and key defensive plays. 


The Anteaters created separation late in the set, capitalizing on opportunities to take a slight advantage. UCLA attempted to respond but was unable to close the gap in the final moments. 


UC Irvine secured a 25–23 victory, taking a 2–1 lead and placing pressure on the Bruins. 


Bruins Force Decisive Fifth Set 


Facing elimination, UCLA delivered a strong performance in the fourth set. The Bruins established early control and maintained momentum through consistent attacking and solid defense. 


Kelly continued to lead the offense, while the team improved its efficiency and limited errors. UCLA maintained its advantage throughout the set and closed out a 25–19 victory to force a decisive fifth set. 


The fourth set highlighted UCLA’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure. 


Fifth Set Decided in Dramatic Finish 


The deciding set unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading points and maintaining a narrow margin. UCLA gained a late advantage, reaching match point with a 14–12 lead. 


UC Irvine responded with composure, saving match point and capitalizing on key opportunities. The Anteaters scored four consecutive points, including kills and UCLA errors, to secure a 16–14 victory and complete the upset. 


The final sequence underscored UC Irvine’s ability to execute in high-pressure situations. 


Balanced Offense Powers UC Irvine 


UC Irvine’s success was driven by a balanced offensive effort, with multiple players contributing across the lineup. Andreas Brinck led the team with 17 kills, delivering a highly efficient performance. 


Trevor Clark and Andrej Jokanovic each added 14 kills, providing consistent scoring and helping maintain offensive pressure. The trio combined for a significant portion of UC Irvine’s production. 


Setter Cameron Kosty orchestrated the offense with 47 assists while also contributing defensively with blocks and digs. His all-around performance played a key role in the Anteaters’ success. 


Defensive Effort and Key Plays Make the Difference 


UC Irvine’s defensive execution proved critical in the victory, particularly at the net and in the final set. The Anteaters generated blocks and forced UCLA into errors during key moments. 


The team also applied pressure from the service line, outpacing UCLA in aces and disrupting the Bruins’ offensive rhythm. The ability to convert in critical situations ultimately determined the outcome. 


UCLA Concludes Strong Season 


UCLA delivered a competitive performance, pushing the match to five sets and creating multiple opportunities to secure the win. Sean Kelly led all players with a career-high 26 kills, while Zach Rama added 20. 


Setter Andrew Rowan facilitated the offense with 57 assists, concluding his collegiate career as one of the program’s most accomplished players. 


Despite the strong effort, UCLA was unable to convert match point in the fifth set and saw its season come to an end. 


Key Moments Define the Match 


The match was defined by execution in critical moments, particularly in the first and fifth sets. UC Irvine’s ability to close out the opening frame and rally in the final set proved decisive. 


UCLA demonstrated resilience and strong offensive production but was unable to maintain control in the closing moments. 


UC Irvine Advances to NCAA Semifinals 


With the victory, UC Irvine advanced to face Ball State in the NCAA semifinals. The Anteaters’ balanced performance and ability to execute under pressure position them as a strong contender in the final rounds. 


Final Takeaway 


UC Irvine’s five-set victory over UCLA was defined by resilience, balanced offense, and execution in high-pressure moments. The Anteaters responded after facing match point and capitalized on key opportunities to secure the win. 


UCLA showed the ability to compete at a high level but fell just short in a tightly contested finish. 


With the win, UC Irvine advances to the NCAA semifinals, continuing its postseason run with momentum and confidence. 

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