The UCLA men’s volleyball team finished off its fall
season in prime fashion over the weekend, beating three local
rivals at the tournament that was held at the UCLA Student
Activities Center. The Bruins defeated the Trojans in straight sets
(30-21, 30-25, 30-19) on Friday before beating UC Santa Barbara
(30-25, 32-30, 30-25) and Cal State Northridge (30-27, 22-30,
30-28, 30-22) on Saturday afternoon. “I thought we did
everything well,” coach Al Scates said. “We had a very
balanced attack, with different people leading us in kills in every
match.” Outside hitter Damien Scott led the Bruins with 11
kills and a .560 hitting percentage. The Bruins were able to
utilize him well with the support of senior Paul George and
freshman Sean O’Malley, who each had 10 kills. On the
defensive side, Scott and senior Nick Sheftic each had four solo
blocks. “Nick has really worked hard to get to this
level,” Scates said. “He’s worked hard in the
weight room, and he’s jumping higher. You don’t see men
that size jumping that well.” Against UC SB on Saturday, the
Bruins had another senior leading the way, as George recorded 15
kills and two blocks in the match. He was helped by O’Malley,
who also had a strong game with 16 kills and a .667 hitting
percentage. With the victories, the Bruins finished 8-1 over the
exhibition season and will start on Jan. 6 in the Elephant Bar
Classic in Santa Barbara. By that time, they should have outside
hitter Steve Klosterman back, who had shoulder surgery last spring.
“We are going to be very good in 2006,” Scates said.
“We have some very tough competition right off the bat, and
we’re ready to start the season now.”
KOHLLOEFFEL MAKES HISTORY: Men’s tennis
player Benjamin Kohlloeffel became the first player in UCLA history
on Sunday to win the ITA National Indoor Championships singles
title. The junior defeated Duke’s Ludovic Walter in straight
sets (7-5, 6-1) after four days of competitive play in a tournament
featuring some of America’s top collegiate players, including
Georgia’s John Isner, whom Kohlloeffel defeated in his
semifinal match-up. Kohlloeffel was the fourth seed in the
tournament. Over the duration of five matches, Kohlloeffel lost
only one set.
KIRALY TO BE INDUCTED: The American Volleyball
Coaches Association plans to induct Karch Kiraly into its third
hall of fame class on Dec. 15. Kiraly helped lead the UCLA
men’s volleyball team to NCAA titles in 1979, 1981 and
1982.
Compiled by Bruin Sports senior staff, with reports from
Allison Ho, Bruin Sports contributor.