Well, they'll have to shake this one off.
Have no idea if it was the case here, but I've often observed teams, when they 1st get ranked, especially when (I'm sure) it's been a long term goal and a long time coming, they seem to have a game/ match where they lose a subtle focus of how they approach things in the match- physically they're doing the same prep, but somehow they slightly lose the details of what they've done to win (maybe a little complacency seeps in?). And, in volleyball, where sets usually turn on just a few points going one way or the other, it doesn't take losing much at all of what's made you successful to end up losing. Usually it just takes a humbling night like tonight to get any approach errors righted, and hopefully that will be the case for the Buffs.
Overall, a weird match. Looking at stats, we hit freackin' .290- which is a VERY good offensive night. however, the defense just never got going. Of course, a lot of this had to do with Ms. Lowe being probably the best outside hitting offensive player in the country and playing like it. But, after having a record setting blocking night in the last match against ASU, the block was JUST off all night. Our blockers were there a lot, but weren't getting either enough statistical blocks or constructive touches so the back row had a chance to get the ball up. It just didn't slow down the Bruins enough, as you need to do with any good team with a transcendent player and a good supporting cast. A few of the back row touches and positioning were occasionally off also, which is something that can't be done often, especially when the block isn't having an effective night.
Also, the serving game evened out (at best for the Buffs) compared to when the Buffs dominated in LA, so that didn't help.
Of course, I know I (and feel many/ most fans) often just fixate on what "OUR" team did wrong- but it's also important to note that UCLA is a VERY good team (probably going to be one of the 16 seeded teams come tournament time if they keep winning), and they fixed what caused them problems against the Buffs last time- so I definitely want to give them the proverbial "tip of the cap".
So, the Buffs will hopefully just come back and, as others have said above, get ready for USC. Also, hopefully in their match tomorrow night, our travel partner Utah will give the Trojans a good long workout. Most importantly, the Buffs need to not forget how talented they are, and how they performed to earn the ranking they've earned, and be ready to give it their all and relish the competition they'll get to have Sunday at noon against yet another massively talented Pac 12 team.
Go Buffs!