Women of Troy topple host Matadors

It was almost effortless.

With the No. 9 USC women’s volleyball team’s Pac-12 opener against No. 8 UCLA a mere three days away, it looked more than ready to face off against the Bruins, as it routed Cal State Northridge on Tuesday in straight sets — the final game of the team’s nonconference slate.

“We’re lucky we got out of there in three,” USC coach Mick Haley said. “It was good to see[freshman setter/opposite] Emily [Young] with an excellent performance [at the end of game two] and we’re hoping she keeps coming since she’s got such great potential.

Despite an upset loss to Central Florida on Friday, the straight-set victory over the Matadors propelled the Women of Troy (5-2) to their fourth consecutive win. It also marked the 12th consecutive set the team had won — its fourth straight sweep.

Even with pre-game temperatures nearing 102 degrees as a result of no air conditioning at the Matadome in Northridge, Calif., USC got off to a hot start, grabbing an early 14-4 lead in the first set behind strong play from senior outside hitter Alex Jupiter, who led the Women of Troy with a team-high 13 kills.

While eventually winning the set 25-16, Jupiter and company ran into a bit of a dry spell in the second frame, leading just 15-13 midway through the set. The Women of Troy, however, went on a late 8-3 run to make it 23-16 in the waning moments. Eventually, they closed the set after freshman setter/opposite Emily Young posted back-to-back kills.

“We need to figure out how we are going to score more points because that seems to be the problem lately,” Haley said. “We need good production out of Kirby. Alex [Jupiter] has been great, while [junior outside hitter/opposite] Katie Fuller has been hot and cold.”

Holding a decisive 2-0 lead, USC struggled at times during the final set, as Cal State Northridge was able to grab a 18-17 lead.

Jupiter knotted the score at 18 with another kill.

USC eventually closed out the set, 25-21 following kills from Fuller and freshman middle blocker Hannah Schraer. The duo also finished with a total of 14 kills — seven each.

USC will open Pac-12 play on Friday against UCLA at Galen Center.

The Bruins remain undefeated, while USC has fallen twice this season — to then-No. 1 Penn State and Central Florida.

“I don’t think either team is playing the way their coaches want,” Haley said. “But I think if we can get our legs back, all this traveling to the East Coast has taken a toll, and we can get rested by Friday we can deliver a good game.”

As it hosts crosstown rival UCLA in what will be the first ever Pac-12 women’s volleyball game for both programs, the Women of Troy will attempt to break the school’s all-time attendance mark.

“I think people are going to have to get there early, because what I hear from the ticket office it is going to be packed,” Haley said.