SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Despite the final score being 1-3 (25-23, 20-25, 19-25, 20-25), the Golden Eagles had several bright moments in their match against Westmont, showcasing individual excellence and team resilience throughout the contest.

Leading the way offensively was Sofia Ajmal, who turned in one of her most efficient performances of the season. Ajmal tallied 11 kills on 20 swings, finishing the night with a stellar .400 hitting percentage. Her poise at the net and ability to find the court helped keep CUI's offense competitive in key stretches of the match.

Defensively, Kendyll Winn had a career night, stepping up in a major way for the Green and Gold. The freshman libero recorded a career-high 17 digs. Her relentless effort helped extend rallies and kept Westmont hitters from finding a rhythm. Winn's performance was a clear sign of her impact as a defensive anchor for the Golden Eagles.

Beyond individual highlights, the Green and Gold showed flashes of their potential as a cohesive unit. Kayden Croy led all CUI hitters with 13 kills, while Emma Wegleitner added 11 of her own. Setter Nevada Knowles played a key role in running the offense, distributing the ball effectively, and keeping Westmont's defense guessing. 

UP NEXT: The Golden Eagles will be home Saturday, August 20th at 2:00 PM as they take on Vanguard in a Non-Conference Match.