Domination can breed complacency.

While UCLA hasn’t dropped a set in two games, it hasn’t dropped its standards either.

As such, the Bruins left this week’s play focusing on improvement instead of results.

No. 1 UCLA men’s volleyball (6-0, 1-0 MPSF) extended its early-season run with two straight-set wins, sweeping Fort Valley State (1-2) on Thursday at home before taking down No. 11 UC San Diego (3-3) on the road Friday at the LionTree Arena.

Despite sweeping Fort Valley State, coach John Hawks said the match showed how much room there is for team growth. Hawks also said that, while UCLA demands respect, he wants opponents to work “really, really, really hard for a point.”

The Bruins acknowledged they started flat Thursday but gradually found their rhythm against the Wildcats. Fort Valley State showed flashes of creativity, but UCLA’s defense held it to just a .051 hitting percentage on 59 total attempts.

Meanwhile, UCLA’s offense fired on all cylinders, as outside hitters sophomore Sean Kelly and senior Zach Rama tallied nine kills each. Senior middle blocker Cameron Thorne notched an additional six kills on seven attempts Thursday and followed that performance with nine on 13 swings Friday.

However, the Bruins seemed to struggle on the defensive block across both games. Against the Tritons, the Bruins recorded just five total blocks – the second-lowest mark of the season. Although UCLA notched 7.5 deflections the night prior, the team cites how improved rotations and positioning are necessary going forward.

“Block defense is going to be a big part for us to improve on moving forward,” Rama said. “We’re way too athletic and way too good to not block the ball.”

Thorne added that the Bruins need to improve after making errors at the net and not pressing low enough.

6-foot-10 freshman outside hitter Grayson Bradford saw his first substantial playing time Thursday, tallying six kills on a .625 hitting percentage. With the Bruins integrating new talent following the graduation of several key seniors – including 2025 MPSF Player of the Year Cooper Robinson – Bradford’s performance highlighted how the team’s youth may play a critical role in shaping UCLA’s identity this season.

“You have to work hard from the moment you step in the gym,” Bradford said. “Even before practice, the preparation you take is the most important part.I have to be a little better about that. The older guys really get on you in practice if you don’t drive hard. It’s really senior-led, so it really helps the younger guys get focused and be mindful about what they’re doing.”

UCLA looked sharper just 24 hours later against UCSD, a squad that has now lost its last three games after winning its first trio of matches.

Rama continued to flash his offensive prowess with 16 more kills Friday. The Phoenix, Arizona, local’s performance proved especially crucial during a late third-set battle, where two kills from Rama gave the Bruins a 27-26 kill before an error by opposite Luke Chandler sealed the victory.

Meanwhile, senior setter Andrew Rowan distributed 41 assists against UCSD, orchestrating a balanced attack that recorded 46 total kills on a .424 clip. Across both games, Rowan recorded 65 assists.

But UCLA’s ceiling remains far above its current level, even with an undefeated record.

“We’re just at the tip of the iceberg of what we can do,” Hawks said.