RADFORD TOPPLES CAL IN FIVE SETS TO RECORD MONUMENTAL VICTORY

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Behind season highs in digs (79) and blocks (15), Radford's defense lifted the Highlanders to a thrilling 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12) win over California on Friday in the second match of New Mexico State's La Quinta Invitational inside the Pan American Center.

"I don't know where to begin with this one," head coach Marci Jenkins said. "The effort, intensity and focus I saw out there was incredible. They played their hearts out and deserved this win. This is huge for our program, our university and our conference!"

Huge may be an understatement as the Highlanders recorded their first win over a Pac-12 member in program history. Year in and year out, the Pac-12 is widely regarded as one of the top women's college volleyball conferences in the nation. Cal was the third opponent Radford has played from the league, joining USC (1993 NCAA Tournament) and Stanford (2001).

Keeping her double-double streak alive, Rachel Wiechecki registered her fifth of the season by dialing up a match-high 17 kills, 19 digs and four blocks for a total of 20 points for the Highlanders (4-1). Joining Wiechecki in double figures, offensively, were Emma Deininger (12) and Savannah Cantrell (10).

That duo was also extraordinary on defense. Cantrell finished with a career-high-tying eight blocks, while Deininger was credited with six rejections. In the digging department, Savanna Burton led the way with a career-best 22. Kelby Jackson (15) and Cheyanne James (10) also had double-digit digs.

Jena Braden charted 42 assists, marking the second match of the season the senior surpassed the 40-assist plateau.

The Bears (3-1) placed four players in double figures, offensively. Pacing the attack was Christina Higgins, who cranked 16 at a .310 clip. Christine Alftin (15), Ashten Smith-Gooden (14) and Lillian Schonewise (13) also had double-digit kills. Alyssa Jensen passed out a match-high 54 assists, while Maddy Kerr posted 20 digs for Cal.

RU returns to the court at 7 p.m. MT (9 p.m. ET) to face tournament host New Mexico State. The Aggies (2-2) are the two-time defending Western Athletic Conference champions.

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