BYU hosts No. 14 UC Santa Barbara this week

PROVO, Utah — After a road series against Ball State, the Cougars (6-2) moved up to No. 10 in this week’s AVCA coaches poll. BYU split the series 1-1 with No. 8 Ball State, defeating the Cardidnals on Thursday, February 2 in a 3-1 upset win.

Miks Ramanis led the Cougars last week with 36 kills, 21 digs, four blocks and two service aces, being nominated as MPSF Offensive Player of the Week by BYU.

In a top-15 matchup this week, BYU will face the No. 14 ranked UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (4-2) in Provo for a two-game matchup on Friday and Saturday. Most recently, the two teams met in California and UCSB won 3-1. The Gauchos (2-7) have suffered seven losses this season, with six of their losses against top-ten teams. Last week, UCSB defeated No. 5 Pepperdine in a five-set thriller (25-21, 25-21, 25-16, 25-10, 15-12).

This is BYU’s third week in a row facing a ranked opponent. BYU has not been ranked in the top-10 since January 31, 2022. The Cougars also look to extend their undefeated 4-0 home streak.

BYU’s outside hitter Kupono Browne will face fellow Honolulu, Hawaii-native Ryan Wilcox of UCSB. The two players used to be on the same club team, but Browne was two years younger than Wilcox’s cohort. “He was one of the players I looked up to while growing up,” said Browne. “Getting to play against anyone from back home is always nice.” Wilcox is a two-time Hawaii State Player of the Year.

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