MARY CIECEK/Daily Bruin Senior Staff Junior outside
hitter Matt Komer prepares for a dig in a match
earlier this season. MEN’S VOLLEYBALL vs. Friday 7
p.m. Pauley Pavilion
By Amanda Fletcher
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
UCLA men’s volleyball coach Al Scates’ phone has
been ringing off the hook. One former player after another has been
calling him. Even FIVB Player of the Century Karch Kiraly called to
say good luck.
So why all the fuss?
Not only are the No. 6 Bruins taking on No. 1 Long Beach State
in their first MPSF conference match of the season, but a win
tonight would give Scates his 1,000th career victory.
This is the most for a collegiate volleyball coach ever.
“I know it’s important because a lot of former
players have called me,” Scates said with a laugh.
Many have been giving Scates premature congratulations, but the
fact that most are already posting the match in the win column
doesn’t bother Scates. He’s keeping everything in
perspective.
“They’re just trying to express happiness, but I do
mention that we’re not at 100 percent strength and
we’re playing a very good team,” Scates said.
With the match marking the beginning of MPSF competition for the
Bruins, it may be Scates’ 1,000th victory, but it is just one
more win on the way to the NCAA finals.
“I’d like to win every match, so naturally I’m
looking to win this one,” Scates said. “Long Beach is
certainly a worthy opponent. This would be a good win.”
Returning five out of six starters, including All-American
senior Dave McKienzie, the Beach (3-0) defeated the Bruins (4-2) in
a preseason match on Oct. 27. With the recent injury of 2000
Olympian Mark Williams, an adjusted lineup is just one obstacle the
Bruins must face.
“Long Beach is favored. Even if Williams hadn’t
sprained his ankle I think they’d still be favored,”
Scates said.
Surprisingly, winning isn’t everything.
“It’s possible to play well and still lose. At this
stage in the season we look for improvement,” Scates said.
“We have a long way to go with this team. Right now our
opponents are outblocking us. We want to be outblocking
them.”
But after taking their fourth Outrigger Hotels Invitational
title without the injured Williams, the Bruins aren’t
counting themselves out just yet.
“I definitely think we’re a better team than when we
played them in the fall, when they killed us,” said senior
quick hitter Adam Naeve.
Plus, there’s always that pesky record to shoot for.
“Everyone wants to be a part of that,” Mount said.
“It would be that much better if it was at home against one
of our biggest rivals.”
This may be the win that goes into the record books, but Scates
remembers other matches with just as much fondness.
“My favorite was the 900th versus ‘SC in their
gym,” he said. “That was pretty nice.
“I probably enjoy beating ‘SC more than any
team,” he added.
But it isn’t likely he’ll wait until the Bruins face
the Trojans on Feb. 7 to get his 1,000th.
“I’m gonna get it as soon as I can. I just want to
go and do it,” he said.