This post was updated Dec. 2 at 12:48 a.m.

The final collegiate game of an athlete’s career can carry immense pressure and intense emotions.

For the Bruins, the regular season ended on a bittersweet note, as seven seniors and graduate students likely played their last match, concluding their journeys with a loss on home court.

UCLA women’s volleyball (14-15, 8-12 Big Ten) fell to No. 13 Oregon (22-7, 14-6) on UCLA’s Senior Day, losing 3-1. While the Bruins couldn’t secure a victory, Friday’s match struck an emotional chord for the team.

“It’s even hard to think about the match,” said coach Alfee Reft. “Because all I want to talk about is how grateful I am to these women who have given themselves so selflessly, day in and day out.”

The first set was a nip-and-tuck battle, with both teams trading points until they tied at 17-17. The Bruins surged ahead to 19-17 and seemed poised to clinch the set as they led 24-21.

Oregon fought back, but a pancake from senior libero Peyton Dueck and sophomore defensive specialist Sydney Breon diving across the court secured the Bruins the first set.

“We had a lot of fun rallies where people were scrapping for balls,” said graduate student setter Audrey Pak. “Any chance you have to slow down the touch or catch your breath in the huddle and lean into each other makes a huge difference because things can start to feel really fast.”

The Bruins posted a .171 overall hitting percentage in the opening set, narrowly outpacing Oregon’s 0.156. It wouldn’t be unusual for the Bruins to push their final game of the regular season into a four- or five-set battle – as the Bruins have pushed 15 of their matches as far.

Friday afternoon was no different.

Oregon responded with authority in the second set, hitting at a .325 clip compared to UCLA’s .091. Oregon’s offensive firepower forced UCLA to drop the second and third sets 25-20 and 25-21, respectively.

Even in the face of losing points, maintaining mental toughness was crucial for the hosts.

“Just leaning into each other and knowing that our work is paying off. Even if this one doesn’t go our way, the next one is,” said graduate student middle hitter Leilani Dodson.

Oregon’s offense showcased balance and versatility, spearheaded by outside hitter Mimi Colyer’s 21 kills, followed by middle blocker Michelle Ohwobete, who added 13 kills and 18 digs. Meanwhile, setter Cristin Cline racked up 52 assists and 13 digs.

Dueck recorded a game-leading 25 digs, adding to her season total of 365 and bringing her career total to 872 digs over three seasons in Westwood.

While UCLA will graduate seven of its members following this season, junior outside hitter Cheridyn Leverette looks to be instrumental in the Bruins’ future, tallying a match-high 23 kills at a .200 clip.

The fourth set saw eight ties between the longtime rivals, but despite the result, UCLA players viewed Friday night as a celebration.

“Tonight is about our seniors,” Reft said. “It’s about people sitting here like Audrey, who’ve been here for five years now and have seen this program through a lot of opportunities and about people who’ve come in and interjected new life and further direction.”

Pak reached 2,210 career assists following the Bruins’ match against Oregon on Friday night and has been instrumental in Reft’s leadership of the Bruins, playing in 46 of 59 games between the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

“On the record sheet, like we didn’t do exactly what we wanted to do,” Pak said. “I’m really excited to see next season, and I have so much faith in how we’re going to be as a program in the years to come.”