Friday, February 6, 1998
Top-ranked Bruins to face pivotal match against 49ers
VOLLEYBALL UCLA must improve blocking to defeat tough
opponent
By Grace Wen
Daily Bruin Staff
When the UCLA men’s volleyball team faces off against Long Beach
State Saturday night, it could be a very ugly end to a long week of
tough play for the 49ers.
In the span of a week, the 49ers could lose to two No. 1 teams.
That’s because BYU sits atop the Volleyball Magazine poll while
UCLA ranks first in the USA Today/AVCA poll.
The 49ers (7-1, 2-1 MPSF) dropped a match against BYU Wednesday
night and could very well lose Saturday night.
However, the same could be said for top-ranked UCLA.
The Bruins(7-0, 4-0) are coming off a win over crosstown rival
USC in the Kilgour Cup. In a less-than-stellar performance UCLA
defeated the Trojans in four games.
UCLA knows it must improve its play to defeat the 49ers at the
Pyramid. In a fall exhibition match, Long Beach swept UCLA in three
quick games.
"We’re going to have to pick it up and play a lot better against
Long Beach," UCLA head coach Al Scates said. "They’re a much
stronger team (than USC). They’re very good.
"We just have to work on blocking. It isn’t up to where it
usually is at this time. It’s time to concentrate on our
block."
Traditionally a strong blocking team, UCLA has been outblocked
by its opponents 82.5 to 66.5. But the Bruins have been outserving
(45 to 18) and outhitting (.339-.255) its opponents. Sophomore Adam
Naeve continues to be the leader in both categories averaging 5.6
kills per game and .55 aces.
Although UCLA is currently undefeated and boasts a 60-16
advantage in the series, Long Beach has won eight of the last 15
encounters. Saturday night’s game could have conference
championship implications as the two teams will only battle once
this season.