IRVINE, Calif. – The Golden Eagles returned to CU Arena Thursday and continued their strong start to the 2026 season with a three-set sweep over Cal State Dominguez Hills. CUI controlled the match from start to finish, taking down the Toros 25-17, 25-13, and 25-19 to improve to 4-1 on the season.
Kayden Croy and Delaney Gregg led the way offensively for the Green and Gold with efficient performances at the net. Croy paced CUI with nine kills while committing just one error on 23 attempts to hit .348. The senior also made an impact from the service line with two aces and added two block assists.
Gregg was nearly unstoppable in the middle, putting down six kills on just 10 swings with only one error to finish with a .500 hitting percentage. She was equally effective defensively at the net, leading the Golden Eagles with five total blocks, including two solo rejections and three block assists.
Nevada Knowles continued to run the CUI offense, dishing out 20 assists as the Golden Eagles finished with 29 kills. Knowles also found ways to contribute across the court, recording two kills on two attempts, two service aces, seven digs, and two block assists. Her all-around effort helped the Green and Gold maintain control throughout the match.
Freshman Livia Eyre made her presence known in the back row, leading CUI with nine digs. Eyre also added seven kills and two block assists, continuing to contribute in multiple areas for the Golden Eagles.
The CUI defense kept the Toros under pressure throughout the evening. The Green and Gold held Cal State Dominguez Hills to just 14 kills while forcing 27 attack errors, as the Toros finished the match hitting -.155. CUI also held a 9-4 advantage in blocks and edged CSUDH 36-32 in digs.
After taking the opening frame 25-17, the Golden Eagles turned up the pressure in the second set. CUI limited the Toros to only two kills while forcing 10 errors as CSUDH hit -.267 in the frame. The Green and Gold rolled to a 25-13 win to take a commanding 2-0 advantage.
The Toros looked to extend the match in the third, but CUI closed out its fourth victory of the young season with a 25-19 win. The Golden Eagles saved their most efficient offensive set for last, recording 10 kills with only three errors to hit .280 and complete the sweep.
UP NEXT: The Green and Gold will take on Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday at 5 pm to close out day 2 of the Orange County Classic.
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