No. 3 USC men’s volleyball is riding a wave of momentum as it prepares to face No. 8 Pepperdine in a pivotal Mountain Pacific Sports Federation showdown, with both teams looking to solidify their positions in the conference standings. The Trojans, riding a nine-match winning streak, enter the series with a 18-2 overall record and a perfect 6-0 mark in conference play.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Jeff Nygaard, USC has established itself as a top-three team in the MPSF. As they prepare to face Pepperdine — which enters 14-6 overall and 6-2 in conference play after faltering against No. 2 UCLA (16-3, 6-0 MPSF) —  the Trojans look to extend their streak.

“Leadership has set a real high standard. The guys are working hard … the results speak for themselves,” Nygaard said. “It’s just being present every single day and going after each ball. And we’ve been saying it the whole year, every ball matters, so these guys are taking that to heart.”

At the heart of USC’s success this season has been junior outside hitter Dillon Klein, whose explosive performance has solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s elite players. Klein, averaging 4.25 kills per set, has been a model of consistency — reaching double-digit kills in 16 of USC’s 20 matches this season. 

Klein’s ability to deliver during high-pressure situations was on full display in the Trojans’ recent victories over No. 13 Grand Canyon (14-8, 3-5 MPSF), where he hammered 34 kills and contributed .75 blocks and 1.63 digs per set on defense. Klein is the focal point of USC’s offense and a nightmare for opposing blockers.

Supporting Klein is redshirt senior opposite hitter  Jack Deuchar, whose powerful swings and veteran presence have been invaluable in tight matches. In the Trojans’ first game against Grand Canyon, Deuchar led all players with 20 kills on an impressive .600 hitting.

Sophomore setter Caleb Blanchette has been the engine of USC’s high-powered offense, leading the nation with 11.30 assists per set. His precise ball distribution and ability to read defenses have allowed the Trojans’ hitters to thrive. 

Beyond his playmaking, Blanchette has also contributed defensively, averaging 1.66 digs per set and helping USC maintain its dominance at the net. His growth as a leader on the court has been evident this season, and his placement under pressure will be critical against Pepperdine’s aggressive serving and blocking schemes.

“I give a lot of credit to my hitters. I think these guys can put the ball away if I just throw it up there for them,” Blanchette said. “If I can put the ball up there, they can put it away. And it really helps me out.” 

Blanchette said he is focused particularly on improving his defensive game this season, an effort that recently earned him recognition as the MPSF Defensive Player of the Week.

“It was really cool that I won Defensive Player of the Week last week, because it’s been a lot of work to improve,” Blanchette said. “It was really cool to see that hard work pay off and [I’m] just trying to dig more balls and get more opportunities.” .

On the defensive end, freshman libero Johnny Dykstra has been a standout for the Trojans. Leading the MPSF with 2.31 digs per set, Dykstra’s quick reflexes and fearless play have anchored USC’s back-row defense, while his serve-receive consistency has been a key component of the Trojans’ offensive rhythm. Dykstra’s performance against Pepperdine’s potent attackers will be a major factor in determining the outcome of the match.

At the net, middle blockers graduate student Guy Genis and freshman Parker Tomkinson have formed one of the most formidable blocker tandems in the country. Genis, averaging 1.11 blocks per set, brings experience and tactical intelligence, while Tomkinson’s athleticism and timing have made him a disruptive force — averaging 1.09 blocks per set. Their ability to shut down opposing hitters has been a cornerstone of USC’s defensive identity, and they will need to be at their best against Pepperdine’s balanced attack.

Pepperdine, meanwhile, will counter with their own standout players, led by freshman outside hitter Cole Hartke. A dynamic scorer with a powerful arm, Hartke averages 3.77 kills per set and poses a significant threat from both the front and back rows. Hartke’s ability to execute has kept the Waves competitive throughout matches this season, and USC’s blockers will need to be disciplined to contain him. Hartke’s duel with Klein will be perhaps the most compelling matchup of the weekend, as both players look to lead their teams to victory.

Graduate setter Gabe Dyer orchestrates Pepperdine’s offense with precision, averaging 9.77 assists per set. His ability to distribute the ball evenly among hitters keeps defenses guessing and has been a key factor in the Waves’ success. Dyer’s decision making under pressure will be crucial against USC’s relentless blocking and defensive pressure, and he could be the difference-maker for Pepperdine.

Pepperdine has gotten the better of USC historically, but this year’s Trojans seem ready for the challenge. The squad credits their success in large part to the team chemistry they have been able to build — both on and off the court.

“We spend a lot of time together, whether it’s going out to eat, whether it’s just hanging out, we just spend a lot of time together,” Blanchette said. “A lot of us take classes together, a lot of us study together. And so, just that time together, it really helps us build our team bond and grow.” 

USC will open its two-game series against No. 8 Pepperdine Thursday at 7 p.m. at Galen Center. Then, the Trojans will head to Malibu to face the Waves once more Saturday at 5 p.m. at Firestone Fieldhouse.