Angela Dugalic Embraces Team Spirit and Helps UCLA Reach the Final Four
UCLA Women’s Basketball Team Advances to Final Four with Big Win Over Duke
The UCLA women’s basketball team is heading back to the Final Four following a decisive 70-58 victory over Duke in the Elite Eight. Central to the Bruins’ success was Angela Dugalic, who contributed 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists during her 30 minutes off the bench.
Coach Cori Close had previously identified Dugalic as an essential "X factor" for the team. While such praises can sometimes be perceived as mere coachspeak, Dugalic has indeed played a critical role in defining the Bruins’ approach this season. Her impact was evident as she made crucial plays, including a buzzer-beater floater to conclude the third quarter.
A former starter, Dugalic voluntarily transitioned to a bench role this season, a decision aimed at enhancing team dynamics and lineup flexibility. Close noted, “It’s so fun that she’s been rewarded for that… it’s been one of the two biggest character traits that carried us to this point, which is selflessness.”
Dugalic’s willingness to adapt has not only allowed her to excel—having one of her best scoring seasons—but has also set a tone for the team’s ethos. She reflects on her choice: “I just wanted consistency for this team… something that we just didn’t have to worry about was starting lineups and all this anxiousness around it.”
Her journey began at Oregon, where she averaged 3.4 points in 12.1 minutes per game before transferring to UCLA, where she missed the 2022-23 season due to a knee injury. Returning this year, she has embraced her role off the bench with enthusiasm, contributing significantly to the team’s championship aspirations.
Dugalic recalls a pivotal moment during a film session when she expressed her desire to come off the bench to assistant coach Soh Matsuura. "He said, ‘Go tell her right now,’" Close recounted, emphasizing how this decision set a precedent of selflessness for the rest of the team.
UCLA’s success has been underscored by standout performances from other players, including Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice, as well as contributions from Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens. However, having a former starter like Dugalic coming off the bench is a rarity in sports, and her decision exemplifies the team’s collective commitment to winning.
With the Final Four on the horizon, Dugalic’s actions and presence on the court will be pivotal as UCLA seeks a national championship. Close noted, “There was an aggression about her that was just special… a confidence that our team was really feeding off of.”
Men’s Volleyball Program Maintains Perfect Record
The No. 1 UCLA men’s volleyball team achieved its best start in 42 years by defeating No. 14 Stanford 25-22, 25-21, and 25-22 on Saturday night. This victory marks the Bruins’ record at 20-0, the first time they have reached this milestone since 1984, and they remain undefeated at 7-0 in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play.
Zach Rama led the team with 12 kills, followed closely by Sean Kelly with 11. Senior setter Andrew Rowan contributed 37 assists, and UCLA successfully limited Stanford to a .292 hitting percentage. The Bruins’ next match is against No. 7 Pepperdine on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu.
UCLA Baseball Completes Sweeps Against Iowa
In baseball, the No. 1 Bruins dominated Iowa with a 14-6 victory, securing a sweep of the series. Roman Martin stood out, hitting two home runs and recording a career-high six RBIs. Top MLB draft prospect Roch Cholowsky contributed significantly as well, reaching base five times and scoring three runs.
UCLA is set to play at UC Irvine on Tuesday before facing their fierce rivals, No. 12 USC, in a highly anticipated series. The Bruins, with a record of 25-2, and the Trojans, at 26-3, will meet on Friday at 6 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Field.
UCLA Women’s Water Polo Wins on Senior Day
On Sunday, the No. 3 UCLA women’s water polo team secured a 9-5 victory against No. 7 Loyola Marymount in their regular season home finale. The win came on Senior Day, during which honors were given to 11 athletes, four of whom scored during the match. Seniors Bia Mantellato and Taylor Smith each had hat tricks.
UCLA will complete its regular season against No. 1 USC on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center, with the Trojans currently leading the MPSF standings.
In Case You Missed It
For a recap of the UCLA women’s journey in the NCAA tournament and their recent victory over Duke, click on the articles covering the matches and standout performances.
