UCI’s Pickrell shines

UC Irvine sophomore Cassidy Pickrell was named Big West Conference Player of the Week after helping the Anteaters cap a five-match winning streak with a four-game triumph over conference and Orange County rival Cal State Fullerton on Friday.

Pickrell, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter, tied a career-high with 25 kills, her best output this season, against the Titans. She hit 377, committing just five errors in 53 attempts.

Pickrell also contributed a service ace, a solo stuff block and six digs. Entering the week, she ranked No. 21 in the country in total aces with 35. Her 4.34 points per set rank No. 68 nationally.

UCI returns to Big West action Friday, when Hawaii visits the Bren Events Center at 7 p.m.

— From staff reports