STANFORD, Calif. – Junior Matt Klassen led the team with 10 kills, but Stanford fell in straight sets to No. 3 UC Irvine, Saturday, in Burnham Pavilion.
Klassen, who made his second start of the season at outside hitter, hit .500 to lead the Cardinal (4-16). As a team, Stanford recorded a .384 attack percentage, while UC Irvine (13-5) was on fire at .531.
Freshman opposite Jaylen Jasper had five kills in the opening set, but left the match late with an injury and did not return. Sophomore Eli Wopat came off the bench in his place and finished with eight kills on 14 swings with just one error to hit .500.
Freshman outside hitter Leo Henken also tallied eight kills for the Cardinal. Middle blockers Kyler Presho and Kevin Rakestraw combined for seven kills and three blocks.
Junior setter Russell Dervay racked up 27 assists to go with three digs and an ace. Senior libero Evan Enriques collected a team-high six digs and three assists.
UC Irvine was led by opposite Karl Apfelbach's 10 kills, while middle blocker Scott Stadick had nine kills on .538 hitting and two blocks.
Stanford resumes MPSF play next Saturday against USC. The Cardinal and Trojans are set to meet at 7 p.m. in Burnham Pavilion.
