Hard work pays off.

And in enemy territory – the Bruins made sure it did.

No. 1 UCLA beach volleyball (27-4) captured its fourth victory against No. 3 USC (26-8) to finish off the regular season at Merle Norman Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

The Westwood bunch has spent the season gearing up for what lies ahead. With the postseason around the corner, that preparation helped spearhead the rivalry victory against the Trojans.

“We’ve been working so hard, and it feels so good for its payoff,” said sophomore Alexa Fernandez. “It’s really a celebration of our hard work.”

Fernandez – alongside her teammate redshirt sophomore Harper Cooper – secured the match for the Bruins against Bella Satterwhite and Kerry Keefe, winning 31-29, 21-19 on court three.

But despite the pressure of being the last ones standing, Fernandez said Cooper’s composure anchored her when it mattered most.

“Her composure really keeps me steady,” Fernandez said. “Knowing that she is so steady – the way that she talks and moves – it’s so calm and confident, and that translates into my game as well.”

And that same steadiness translated throughout the entire team

Junior Ava Williamson and freshman Jesse Dueck notched the first win of the day after battling to a three-set victory – 13-21, 21-19, 15-11 – against Trojans Kyra Zaengle and Calinda Kok on court four.

Redshirt sophomore Kaley Mathews and redshirt junior Ensley Alden also went to three sets against Ashley Pater and Sarah Wood, dropping the first set before bouncing back to secure the win.

For Mathews, Alden provided steadiness.

“I have a lot of energy at times, and Ensley is a steady rock for me,” Mathews said. “She is super consistent, she’s super supportive and she’s kind on the core.”

Redshirt junior Kenzie Brower and freshman Mallory LaBreche recorded the team’s sole loss after falling to Madison Goellner and Kaileigh Truslow on court five.

Despite the loss, the Bruins regained control after sophomore Sally Perez and senior Maggie Boyd notched a straight-set victory against Kennedy Coakley and Zoey Henson.

And the Bruins did not waver in the end.

Coach Jenny Johnson Jordan said the squad’s ability to remain poised is a culmination of the work it has put in all season.

“Today was a good reflection of us being able to stay composed and play to our strengths and our game plan when games are tight,” Jordan said.

And if Tuesday alluded to the upcoming postseason campaign, then the Bruins are just getting started.