Friday, May 17, 1996
By Ruben Gutierrez
Daily Bruin Staff
Opposite hitter Paul Nihipali is scheduled to undergo
exploratory arthroscopic surgery today to repair torn shoulder
cartilage. With Nihipali gaining a second wind after struggling
much of the first three games, UCLA was able to eke out a 3-2
victory over Hawaii on May 4 to win back-to-back NCAA titles for
the first time since 1984.
The junior, who averaged nearly six kills per game for the
Bruins this season, was a first team All-American selection along
with Bruin setter Stein Metzger. According to UCLA head coach Al
Scates, the surgery should help keep UCLA’s No. 2 all time hitter
(1,446 kills) consistent for next season.
***
Graduating seniors Metzger and Brian Wells, both of Honolulu,
have joined their native Outrigger Canoe Club team and will compete
in the open division of a tournament this weekend in Dallas.
The departure of the senior starters will open up two positions
on next year’s squad. Veterans and newcomers alike will vie for the
spots, and the vacated positions are an area where Bruin recruits
could make a big impact.
Eric Vallely and Court Young are the two candidates for the
setter position who know the UCLA system, but will surely be pushed
by incoming signee Brendan Taliafaro. The San Clemente high school
senior stands 6-feet-7-inches tall and is generally regarded as the
top high school setter in the country.
"It’s always tough when you start over with a setter," Scates
said. "We’re going to have a real battle for the setting position.
Young looked real good in practice this year and we brought him up
to the first court a lot. Vallely will be given a chance to compete
for that position too. We also have Taliafaro coming in, who is
probably the best high school setter since Mike Sealy."
With Wells’ departure, one swing hitter position will be up for
grabs. Sophomore Ben Moselle seems the logical choice, given his
clutch play in the post-season for the Bruins.
Against Cal State Northridge in the MPSF semifinal, Moselle came
off the bench in relief of senior Matt Taylor and finished the
evening with a season-high 12 digs and 14 kills on a .385 attack
percentage. The following evening against UC Santa Barbara in the
MPSF finals, Moselle got his first starting call and responded with
10 kills and four blocks.
Another key recruit, Adam Naeve, could help out UCLA at various
positions. Naeve, who can play any position outside of setter, is
considered the best prep prospect in the country.