When Cole Hartke rose from the right side for his 51st swing of the game, the ball flew over the net and crossed the court, narrowly contacting the court’s left-side line.

No. 1 UCLA men’s volleyball (20-0, 7-0 MPSF) is in the midst of a historic season, securing one of the best starts in program history in what could amount to its third national championship in four years.

The beauty of volleyball is that the same result can come from the same two teams in consecutive games, but a completely different story can be told each time.

Only one program has more national championship trophies than the Bruins.
But if Friday night was any indicator, 2026 may see that deficit eliminated.
No. 1 UCLA men’s volleyball (19-0, 6-0 MPSF) swept No.

While most students have begun spring break and are relaxing after finals week, the Bruins have continued to compete in what may be the most important stretch of the year before the postseason.

The Grand Canyon State is notorious for weather that often peaks in the 100s, meaning diving in the water is often associated with relaxation.
But the Bruins did anything but relax.

This post was updated March 5 at 10:40 p.m.
Coach John Hawks said his team would not need extra motivation coming into its crosstown rival’s home.

This post was updated March 1 at 9:24 p.m.
Six set points.
The second-largest home crowd in UC Irvine men’s volleyball history.
And a timely four kills from outside hitters sophomore Sean Kelly and senior Zach Rama extended the match.

It’s not about how you start.
But it’s about how you finish.
And after giving up 15 goals through the first three quarters, No. 2 UCLA women’s water polo (10-1, 1-0 MPSF) overcame No.

This post was updated Feb. 22 at 9:50 p.m.
Linear algebra, despite its name, is not straightforward, stumping college students and graduates alike.
In the same vein, even when one’s path to sports stardom looks linear, that does not mean it is without hardship, strife and dedication.