But after staking a 2-1 set advantage (which could easily have been a 3-0 win if not for two late game errors) before falling to UCLA, 24-30, 30-28, 24-30, 30-22, 15-11, the Warriors collective enthusiasm was tempered at best.

"We know UCLA is a great team, and to take them to five games is good for us, but a loss is still a loss," said UH setter Sean Carney. "There are a lot of positive things we can take from this, but we're not happy with the overall outcome. It came down to a couple of points."

Jim Clar led the Warriors with 17 kills on just .204 hitting, nine digs and three blocks. Jacob Schkud added 11 kills (.132), seven digs and five blocks.