TEMPE, Ariz. - Coming off their stunning victory over No. 7 Arizona State–arguably its biggest win in school history–UC Davis looked to once again pounce on an unsuspecting opponent and pull off its second upset in as many days at the Snyder-Park Classic.

Despite more than holding their own and taking a two sets to one lead, the Aggies (3-4) ultimately fell short against San Diego (3-3) in five sets, where the Toreros’ resolve in the face of adversity truly shined.

Senior outside hitter Nemo Beach led the way for San Diego, tallying 22 kills, 12 digs and three blocks, while fifth year middle blocker BayLea Sparks shined on defense with eight blocks. Senior outside hitter Kierstyn Barton picked up 13 kills, three assists and 20 digs. 

While the Toreros’ veterans led the charge, two newcomers also made noise for San Diego.

Freshman outside hitter Emma Brewer totaled eight kills and one dig, while freshman outside hitter Ryann Knuth compiled six kills, three aces, six digs and three blocks.

For UC Davis, outside hitters did most of the damage, as freshman Isabella Umpierre led the way with 13 kills, two assists, 19 digs and four blocks, while freshman Gianna Bogan collected 10 kills, one ace and 15 digs and senior Brooke Hibino claimed 10 kills and four total blocks. 

Aside from the Aggies’ outside hitters, senior setter Mia Starr continued a productive weekend with 39 assists on Friday.

Both squads made a dent on the statsheet, as San Diego reached their season high for kills (66), assists (63), aces (8), digs (85), total blocks (15), while UC Davis claimed their season high for digs (79) and total blocks (19).

The Toreros jumped out to a 6-0 lead on their way to an early 12-4 advantage, but a pair of Aggies runs helped send the first set to extended points. Ultimately, a robust and athletic block from Starr ended the first set 26-24 in favor of UC Davis.

In the second set, San Diego came out hot again with a 10-4 start and held strong this time around, keeping a lead the rest of the way en route to a 25-21 win. 

The Aggies did bring the Toreros’ lead to three in the set, but never broke through to even the score.

Set number three featured the closest action of the afternoon, with no team leading by more than four points throughout. 

Once again, UC Davis played from behind, needing a 6-0 run to take a 22-20 lead, followed by a timely 3-0 run to take the set, 25-22.

In the fourth, the Aggies finally found themselves ahead early, building a 10-6 lead and starting to sense their second four-set victory in as many days in Tempe.

However, San Diego stayed persistent, chipping away at the UC Davis lead until escaping the set with a 25-23 edge to force a do-or-die fifth set.

The deciding fifth set featured five combined runs of three points or more, but a late 5-0 stretch put the Toreros ahead for good, finally beating the Aggies to the finish line in a 2-hour, 49-minute marathon with a 15-11 victory to take the match in five sets.

UC Davis plays their third and final Snyder Park Invitational game against Oregon on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 1:00 p.m., while San Diego plays their second of three invitational games against the Sun Devils the same day at 5:00 p.m. Both games will be played at Desert Financial Arena.