Video: Hershko powers UC Irvine past UCLA in fifth-game overtime

All-American outside attacker Tamir Hershko had his best performance of the season in No. 7/8 UC Irvine’s most impressive victory of the year.

Hershko led all players with a season-high 23 kills and had the match-winning kill in overtime as UC Irvine defeated No. 6/6 UCLA 25-23, 28-26, 22-25, 21-25, 17-15 on Friday in Irvine, California.

Hershko in the conference victory had a .438 attack percentage and was one of three Anteaters with double-digit kills. Outside attacker Thomas Hodges finished with 18 kills and had an ace in the fifth-game overtime, while outside attacker Aaron Koubi added 11 kills and a team-high 10 digs.

Despite the loss, UCLA out-hit UC Irvine .354 to .344 and out-blocked the Anteaters 12.5 to 4.

Opposite Christian Hessenauer coming off the bench led the Bruins with 16 kills on a .355 attack percentage.

UCLA has now lost six of its last seven matches to drop to sixth place in the MPSF. UC Irvine with the victory moved into sole possession fourth place in the MPSF.

Check out the video highlights of the match filmed by Off the Block special contributor Brandon Johnson.