No. 10 Slugs Dominate Final Two Sets in Season-Opening Victory

ATHERTON, Calif. – The No. 10 UC Santa Cruz men’s volleyball team opened their 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-2 (20-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-14, 15-4) victory over NCAA Division II Menlo College on Saturday night. After trading sets through the first three frames, the Banana Slugs seized control with dominant performances in sets four and five. UC Santa Cruz hit .214 for the match while recording 54 kills, 13.5 blocks, and six service aces. The victory moves the Banana Slugs to 1-0 on the season as they prepare to host Concordia University Wisconsin on Thursday, January 15 at 5:00 p.m.

Senior opposite Noy Fisher led the offensive charge with 13 kills on a .524 hitting percentage while adding three aces and five block assists. Senior outside hitter Riley Norman paced all players with 18 kills and contributed eight digs and two blocks in the five-set victory. Senior David Polster added seven kills and an ace, while middle blocker Kyle Ownbey recorded six kills and five block assists. The balanced attack showcased UC Santa Cruz’s depth across multiple class years and positions.

The second set proved pivotal to the match’s outcome as UC Santa Cruz built a 23-16 lead before Menlo rallied with six consecutive points to pull within 23-22. The Banana Slugs showed championship composure as Ownbey and Norman delivered back-to-back kills to close out the 25-23 set victory. UC Santa Cruz hit .387 in the second set, demonstrating the offensive efficiency that would carry them through the remainder of the match.

UC Santa Cruz’s dominance became undeniable in the final two sets. The Banana Slugs opened set four with a 6-1 run and cruised to a 25-14 victory, with Fisher and Polster combining for crucial kills down the stretch. The fifth set was never in doubt as UC Santa Cruz exploded with an 8-0 opening run and hit .583 for the set, recording seven kills on 12 attempts without a single error. Fisher punctuated the victory with his third service ace of the night to seal the 15-4 fifth-set triumph.

The season-opening victory showcased UC Santa Cruz as a legitimate contender in Division III men’s volleyball. The Banana Slugs finished with a 73.5 to 61.0 advantage in total points while holding Menlo to a .090 hitting percentage and 40 kills. With experienced leadership from seniors like Polster and emerging stars like Fisher and Norman executing at elite levels, UC Santa Cruz appears poised for a strong 2026 campaign. The team’s ability to hit .583 in the decisive fifth set demonstrates the type of championship-level execution that defines successful programs.

UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs Men’s Volleyball 2026 Pre-Season Report

The UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs men’s volleyball team enters the 2026 season with optimism and a solid foundation built on recent success. Head Coach Jake Landel leads the program, having taken the reins as interim head coach in 2022 after serving as a volunteer assistant since 2018. A UC Santa Cruz alumnus and former First Team AVCA All-American player, Landel has guided the Slugs to consistent improvement, including a return to the NCAA Tournament in 2023 with a final national ranking of 15th and a strong 19-8 overall record in 2025.

2025 Season Recap

The Banana Slugs posted an impressive 19-8 record in 2025, showcasing balanced play and competitive performances against strong opponents. The team excelled in multiple statistical categories, finishing with 1301 kills and a solid defensive presence. Standout individual contributions drove much of this success.

Key statistical leaders from 2025 included:

• Kills: Riley Norman (311 kills, 3.21 per set), Dylan Foreman (283 kills, 3.08 per set), Kyle Ownbey (194 kills, 2.06 per set), and AJ Contreras (148 kills, 2.43 per set).
• Assists: Caio Valente (625 assists, 7.18 per set) and Andrew Pak (380 assists, 7.04 per set).
• Service Aces: Riley Norman (37 aces, 0.38 per set) and Ethan Makishima (21 aces, 0.23 per set).
• Digs: Riley Norman (184 digs, 1.90 per set), Nico Espinoza (155 digs, 2.31 per set), Dylan Foreman (141 digs, 1.53 per set), and Caio Valente (140 digs, 1.61 per set).
• Blocks: Ethan Makishima (62.0 total blocks, 0.67 per set), Kyle Ownbey (49.0 blocks, 0.52 per set), and Dylan Foreman (49.0 blocks, 0.53 per set).

These efforts highlighted a versatile and resilient squad that competed at a high level throughout the year.

Graduating Players and Departures

The team bids farewell to several impactful seniors who provided leadership and production in 2025. Notable departures include Dylan Foreman, a dynamic attacker with 283 kills, strong blocking, and digging contributions; Ethan Makishima, the blocking leader with 62.0 total blocks; Andrew Pak, a key setter with 380 assists; and Nico Espinoza, the top dig specialist with 155 digs. These players leave big shoes to fill, but their contributions helped build a winning culture that will benefit the program moving forward.

Returning Players

A talented core returns for 2026, providing continuity and experience across all positions. Seniors Riley Norman (outside hitter, multi-category leader with 311 kills, 37 aces, and 184 digs in 2025), Caio Valente (setter, 625 assists), David Polster (outside hitter), Marcus Donchuanchom (libero/DS), Noy Fisher (opposite), Ryan Williams (OPP), Johndiego White (setter/opposite), and Cebrián Carter (outside hitter) bring veteran presence. Juniors Kyle Ownbey (middle blocker, 194 kills and 49.0 blocks), Logan Taylor (setter), Jordan Adejumo (outside hitter), and Evan Erickson (middle blocker) add depth and proven production. Sophomores such as AJ Contreras (outside hitter, 148 kills), Griffin Hotchkiss (setter), Liam Popejoy (middle blocker), and Adrian Parra (middle blocker) showed promise as freshmen and are poised for expanded roles.

New Additions

The 2026 roster welcomes an exciting group of newcomers who add height, athleticism, and fresh energy. First-year players include:

• Isaac Fuentes (middle blocker, 6’8″)
• James Audette (setter/opposite, 6’2″)
• Drake Harris (outside hitter, 6’3″)
• Jonathan Joyner (libero, 6’2″)
• Nick Nayak (opposite, 6’5″)
• Conor Walsh (outside hitter, 6’5″)
• Andres Espinoza (libero/setter, 6’0″)

These athletes bring impressive physical tools and potential to contribute immediately, particularly in the front row with added blocking strength and attacking options.

Incoming Freshmen Class of 2026

The UC Santa Cruz men’s volleyball program welcomes a promising group of seven freshmen for the 2026 season. These student-athletes hail from competitive California high school programs and reputable club teams, bringing athleticism, skill, and experience that will bolster the team’s depth and potential. All are first-year players contributing fresh energy to the squad. Below is a profile of each incoming recruit, highlighting available information on their high school and club backgrounds, along with notable achievements.

Isaac Fuentes (Middle Blocker, 6’8″, Diamond Bar, CA / Troy High School)

Isaac emerges as a standout addition with his exceptional height and recognition at Troy High School. He earned All-League MVP honors as a senior middle blocker and served as team captain. Troy High School also named him Athlete of the Month in recognition of his contributions. Isaac gained valuable experience with Apex1 Volleyball Club and maintains an active recruiting profile with highlights showcasing his blocking and attacking prowess. Based on his opening day performance against Menlo, Isaac is a player to watch in 2026.

James Audette (Setter/Opposite, 6’2″, Santa Clarita, CA / Canyon High School)

James brings versatility as a setter and opposite hitter from Canyon High School. He competed with SC Legends 17-Elite, a strong club program, where he developed his playmaking skills. In high school matches, he demonstrated offensive capability with performances including 11 kills in key games. His commitment received enthusiastic support from his Rockstar club family, reflecting his dedication and growth in the sport.

Drake Harris (Outside Hitter, 6’3″, Palos Verdes, CA / Palos Verdes Peninsula High School)

Drake stands out as one of the most decorated recruits in the class. He led Palos Verdes Peninsula to the CIF Southern Section finals, earning Daily Breeze Boys Athlete of the Week honors. In a thrilling quarterfinal win, he recorded 27 kills. The AVCA included him on the 2025 Boys High School All-America Watch List. Drake honed his skills with the elite Southern California Volleyball Club (SCVC), a premier program known for developing top talent.

Jonathan Joyner (Libero, 6’2″, Monrovia, CA / Monrovia High School)

Jonathan adds defensive stability and leadership as an incoming libero. At Monrovia High School, he served as captain for two years and earned MVP recognition. He gained extensive club experience with teams like Crown City Volleyball and SD Beach, competing in events such as the Trans Pacific Volleyball Championship. His well-rounded skills in passing, defense, and hitting position him for immediate impact.

Nick Nayak (Opposite, 6’5″, Pleasanton, CA / Amador Valley High School)

Nick offers size and power as an opposite hitter from Amador Valley High School, where he contributed to varsity success in both volleyball and football. He developed through Mountain View Volleyball Club (MVVC), participating in competitive tournaments. His multi-sport background highlights his athleticism and teamwork, making him a valuable front-row presence.

Conor Walsh (Outside Hitter, 6’5″, Walnut Creek, CA / Northgate High School)

Conor provides another tall attacking option from Northgate High School. He trained with Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy, building his skills in club competition. His physical tools and experience prepare him to compete for pins and contribute offensively in the Banana Slugs system.

Andres Espinoza (Libero/Setter, 6’0″, Monterey, CA / Monterey High School)

Andres brings versatility and local ties from Monterey High School, where he earned recognition in the Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division. He played for the renowned Bay to Bay Volleyball Club, one of California’s top programs with a strong track record of collegiate placements. His dual role capabilities as libero and setter add flexibility to the backcourt.

This freshman class arrives from strong Southern and Northern California volleyball hotbeds, with several having competed for elite clubs like SCVC and Bay to Bay. Their collective height, particularly in the front row, and proven high school performances signal exciting potential. Under Coach Jake Landel, these recruits integrate into a program poised for continued success in Division III. Fans can anticipate watching their development as they transition to collegiate competition.

2026 Outlook

With a mix of experienced returners like Riley Norman, Caio Valente, and Kyle Ownbey leading the way, complemented by a talented incoming class featuring significant height and skill, the Banana Slugs are well-positioned for another successful campaign. Coach Landel’s leadership continues to foster a competitive environment, and the team’s depth across positions suggests exciting possibilities in 2026. Fans can look forward to watching this group build on the program’s recent achievements and compete at a high level in Division III.