Zimmerman's Memorable Night Lifts Cal Past UCSD

Saturday, August 29

Berkeley, CA

7:00 p.m.

California

2-0,0-0ACC

UC San Diego

1-1,0-0Big West

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
UC San Diego	16	25	22	17	1
California	25	18	25	25	3

Abby Zimmerman had the most kills in a match by a Cal freshman since 2023.

Photo by: Ariel Nava

8/29/2026 9:54 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Freshman Records 24 Kills In Four-Set Victory

By: Cal Athletics

BERKELEY – Abby Zimmerman recorded the most kills in a match by a Cal freshman in three seasons and the Golden Bears won their second consecutive contest to open the 2026 campaign with a 25-16, 18-25, 25-22, 25-17 triumph over UC San Diego on the second night of the Gael Bear Classic at Haas Pavilion.

Zimmerman, the daughter of Cal Hall-of-Fame volleyball player Lisa Arce Zimmerman, recorded 24 kills while hitting for a blistering .477 percentage. She also registered five aces, three blocks and 10 digs for an all-around spectacular performance.

Freshman setter Anna Flores directed an offense that hit .309 as a team, dishing out 43 assists while also adding a team-best 13 digs. Senior Sawyer Thomsen also had three blocks for the Bears.

After the teams split the opening two sets, the pivotal third stanza was tied at 17-17 before Cal reeled off four points in succession to take command. Thomsen registered a pair of kills while senior Ashley Li had another to lead the run.

The Bears close out play in the Gael Bear Classic on Sunday at 2 p.m.

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