TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizona swept Oregon State (25-21, 25-14, 25-18) on Friday night in McKale Center to improve to 5-0 at home this year. 
 
"It is certainly a good win against a Pac-12 opponent," said head coach Dave Rubio. "Any time you can get a W in this conference, you feel pretty good about it.
 
Friday night marked the first match back from injury from senior outside hitter Kalei Mau, who has dealt with a back injury that has cost her five matches, and parts of several others. Mau's return coincided with the absence of sophomore Kendra Dahlke, who missed the match with the concussion.
 
All year, Dahlke has stepped up in the absence of Mau. Tonight, the senior returned the favor.
 
Mau tied for the team lead with 12 kills on .258 hitting. She added four digs and three blocks.
 
"After being down for two weeks, we were very luck Kalei was able to play at least front row," said Rubio. "She was a big reason we were able to play as well as we did, especially offensively."
 
"It felt awesome," said Mau on her return. "it really helped me to know I still have a lot to play for. I'm out there every day giving it all I've got."
 
Tyler Spriggs (12 kills) and Katarina Pilepic (11 kills) were also key parts of the UA offense, helping the Cats sweep. But it was Arizona's defense that led the Cats to victory on Friday night.
 
"Everyone did really well getting into their positions," said Spriggs. "Defensively, we did well getting good touches with the ball, getting blocks helped me pick myself up, and to help myself get into a scoring mentality."
 
UA limited Oregon State to .025 hitting, the lowest by Pac-12 opponent since Nov. 17, 2013 (Colorado - .018). Arizona had 11 blocks and 61 digs on the night.
 
Devyn Cross led Arizona with six blocks while Pilepic had four and Spriggs had three, including two solo. Laura Larson led the Cats with 16 digs; McKenna Painton had a season-high 12.
 
Oregon State led the Wildcats early in the first set by as many as four points, but the Wildcats chipped away to tie the Beavers at 16 apiece. UA rode the momentum of the return of Mau, who did not start, but subbed in during the first set. The senior had four kills as Arizona broke away to win the first set 25-21.
 
The second set began with back-to-back solo blocks by Tyler Spriggs, two of Arizona's 5-0 run to start the frame. UA would go on to lead the second set wire-to-wire, dominating 25-14.
 
UA closed out the match with a 25-18 victory in the third set.
 
UP NEXT: Arizona hosts No. 21 Oregon on Saturday at 6 p.m. for the final match prior to two weeks away from home.
 
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