Hating on Hawai’i
UCLA and Hawai’i faced off in two matches March 29-30 and
discovered something: the two teams just don’t like each
other very much.
After the Warriors pulled out a hard-fought five-game victory
the first night, Hawai’i sophomore outside hitter Costas
Theocharidis climbed the referee stand to bask in the moment.
“We resent some of their celebration after the first
night,” UCLA senior setter Dan Conners said. “We
don’t think it was appropriate.”
In Theocharidis’ defense, he had every right to be happy.
The All-American had just lit up the Bruins with 31 kills, leading
the Warriors to their first win in Pauley Pavilion since 1983.
Theocharidis also pounded 21 kills the following night in a loss to
UCLA, earning him MPSF Player of the Week honors.
Still, the Bruins don’t agree with his antics.
“We like to compose ourselves as professionals,”
Conners said. “If we go over there and beat them whenever we
play them again, we’re not going to act like a bunch of
idiots like they did.”
The teams didn’t exactly kiss and make up the next night.
The second game featured Warriors Dejan Miladinovic and
Theocharidis engaging in a shouting match with Rich Nelson and Adam
Naeve.
“Hawai’i likes to mouth off a lot,” Naeve
said. “I don’t think that you can quote exactly what we
were saying.”
We’ll just have to assume they weren’t saying
anything like “Mahalo for the match,” and “Until
next time, aloha.”
Seniors rule
It was Senior Night on March 30, marking the last regular season
match that Mark Williams, Naeve and Conners will ever play in
Pauley Pavilion.
Prior to the match, the departing Bruins were honored for a
combined 13 years of service to the program. Their parents were
brought onto the court and given flowers and pictures of their
sons.
“It was nice to have everyone there and the fans there in
support of us,” Conners said. “It’s a nice
feeling after five years here.”
Williams and Naeve will finish as two of the most prolific
players in UCLA’s storied history. Thus far, they have
combined for 2,594 kills, 1,102 digs, 775 blocks and 307 aces in
their collegiate careers. The two were also a part of the 1998
championship team.
All three seniors hope to continue playing volleyball after
college.
Notes compiled by Diamond Leung, Daily Bruin Contributor.