Cypress, Calif. — No. 9 OUAZ Men's Volleyball battled throughout the night but ultimately dropped a straight-set road contest to Westcliff, 3–0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-23), Thursday evening. The loss moves the Spirit to 5-2 on the season.

OUAZ showed early momentum in the opening set, jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead behind strong defensive play at the net from Caeden Salmen and Horatio Maumasi. The Spirit kept the frame competitive and briefly held a late advantage, but Westcliff used a closing run to pull away and secure the first set.

The Warriors carried that momentum into set two, using an efficient offensive performance to build separation midway through the set. Despite kills from Jack Hubbard and Maumasi and steady distribution from setter Madduxx Goron, who finished with 29 assists, Westcliff maintained control to take a two-set lead.

OUAZ saved its strongest push for the third set, trading points throughout a tightly contested battle. The Spirit kept the score close down the stretch and moved within reach late after key points from Salmen and Hubbard, but Westcliff narrowly held on to close the match in three.

Salmen led OUAZ offensively with 13 kills while adding four digs and a block. Hubbard contributed seven kills and a team-high nine digs, while Maumasi added six kills and two blocks. As a team, the Spirit recorded 32 kills and six total blocks in the effort.

Westcliff was paced by Gabriel Pizza's 13 kills, while Nikos Kalagasidis directed the offense with 33 assists.

The Spirit will now turn their focus toward conference play, opening GSAC action on the road against Arizona Christian on February 27. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. (MST) at the Firestorm Recreation Center.