TUCSON, Ariz. -- Kendra Dahlke and Kalei Mau posted 18 kills apiece as Arizona defeated California in four sets at McKale Center on Friday afternoon (19-25, 25-23, 27-25, 25-19). 
 
"It was a little rough out there for us," said head coach Dave Rubio. "I'm not sure why we played so uninspired, it was frustrating for us. The lack of execution, lack of emotion, and lack of desire was very frustrating, especially this time of year. Heading into the last three matches, I would hope we would be a little more dialed in. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case."
 
After a slow start, the Cats rebounded to win three straight sets to take down the Bears to kick off a three-game homestand.
 
"We got better as the match went along," said Rubio. "It was still a struggle. I was happy we were able to make some changes. I think it was a result of our emotional level going up. We were able to execute at a higher level."
 
The victory ensured Arizona of its ninth straight winning season, putting the Cats at 17-12 (9-8 Pac-12) with three matches remaining in the regular season.
 
Arizona's outside hitters proved to be the difference on Friday night, as Dahlke and Mau posted 18 kills each while Katarina Pilepic added 11 kills on .455 hitting. 
 
The Cats and the Bears combined for 23 blocks in the match. Arizona's 11 were the most in a four-set match since September 30 vs. Oregon State. Devyn Cross led the Wildcats with seven blocks, tying a career-high for the freshman.
 
"It's getting to the end of the season obviously, and it's becoming all or nothing," said Rubio. "We just have to give everything we have right now, and get emotionally involved in the game. And we came out with a win."
 
Makenna Martin led Arizona in digs for the first time this season, posting 10 of Arizona's 49 digs.
 
"I just tried to come up and have some energy, and try to help the girls get going," said Martin, who came off the bench for her big match. "Whatever happens, happens."
 
Arizona was unable to stop Cal's offense, which hit .323 in the first set and the Bears broke away late to win the opening set, 25-19.
 
The Cats responded in the second set, squeaking out a 25-23 victory to tie the match at the intermission.
 
Arizona led the majority of the third set, and appeared to be poised to put it away, up 24-19. Cal not only erased all five set points, but scored six straight to come a point away from stealing the third set. UA scored the final three points to survive, 27-25.
 
UA's defense stepped up in the fourth, limiting Cal to an .036 hitting percentage as the Cats cruised to victory, 25-19.
 
UP NEXT: Arizona hosts No. 12 Stanford on Sunday at noon on the Pac-12 Networks.
 
FOLLOW THE CATS: For continued coverage of Arizona volleyball, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@ArizonaVBall).