Wednesday, February 25, 1998
Men’s Volleyball Briefs
VOLLEYBALL
Substitutes see more time
At the match against Cal State San Bernadino last weekend, the
few fans in attendance may have gotten a preview of the future.
UCLA head coach Al Scates substituted almost his entire second team
into the match.
Amongst those who received playing time were setter Eric
Valleyly, outside hitter Matt Davis and middle blockers Danny
Farmer and Seth Burnham. Back row specialist Charlie Jackson even
saw action as an outside hitter in game three.
Matt (Davis) looked real comfortable in there, Scates said. He
hit good. He passed great. He made a few serving errors but I
really liked his hitting and passing. He didnt get any blocks but
he put up a solid block. It was good to see him come out and play
with confidence. And I wont hesitate to use him again.
During Friday nights game against the Coyotes, Davis hammered
three kills in four attempts for a .750 attack percentage. He also
added two aces and one dig. In limited time against Northridge, the
sophomore outside hitter posted similar numbers with four kills and
three digs.
Although Burnham played well against the Coyotes, it is unlikely
that the 6-foot-7-inch quick-hitter will receive much more playing
time.
Seth Burnham has been looking real good in practice, Scates
said. He looked good against Santa Barbara but I dont need four
middle blockers. I need four outside hitters. Right now Im
substituting more at the outside hitting position. (Adam) Naeve and
(Tom) Stillwell are playing real well right now, so I only need
Danny Farmer.
As usual, Farmer continues to put up the big numbers when called
into action. In two games of play, the dual-sport athlete spiked 10
kills in 12 attempts for a whopping .667 attack percentage.
The depth of the Bruin bench has given Scates much flexibility
against opponents. But it isnt only the coach who believes in the
second-stringers. The starters are confident as well of their
teammates abilities.
One through 12, this bunch is so strong, UCLAs senior captain
Stillwell said. We have so many different combinations, just so
many things to throw at other teams, and whoever we have out there,
I think we can win.
UCLA still on top despite statistics
The UCLA mens volleyball team may have an undefeated record so
far this season, but that is the only statistical category that the
Bruins lead. It may be surprising to note that not a single Bruin
is a stat leader.
If you look at the stats, were way down in everything, except
winning, Scates said with a chuckle.
Its true. Traditionally a leader in blocking, the Bruins rank
tenth in the conference and fourth in both hitting percentage and
kills per game.
Scates attributes the low blocking numbers to the fact that
opponents spend more time hitting the ball out rather than
challenging the UCLA block.
He also commented that while many of the Bruins opponents have
one or two go-to players, UCLA has five players that can be set at
any one time. Setter Brandon Taliaferro is also a threat, averaging
a kill a game with his deceptive attacking.
We dont have anybody with big numbers. Adam Naeve is the
biggest, but hes only (averaged) a little over five (kills per
game). It means we spread it out.
Injury update
Junior Eric Valleyly will take this week off to rest his ankle.
Valleyly, UCLAs backup setter, injured his ankle several weeks ago
against Loyola Marymount. Although he took time off to rest it
then, his ankle has continued to give him problems.
Compiled by Grace Wen, Daily Bruin Staff.