Oregon teams win, lose at Pauley
The Bruins split their matches against the Oregon schools,
remaining undefeated by one while losing to the other. Since their
first meeting in 1970, OSU’s Beavers had never defeated UCLA
until last Thursday night at Pauley Pavilion. The two teams played
once in 1970, and began twice-yearly meetings in 1986.
The Bruins did keep intact their undefeated record versus the
Oregon Ducks in Los Angeles. The only other loss to Oregon in 33
meetings was in 1987 at Eugene.
Against Oregon State Thursday, the Bruins lost their third
five-game match of the season. As a consolation, however, it was
the lowest number of points they have allowed in a five-game loss.
In contrast, in the following night’s win, the Ducks’
13 points were the fewest allowed by the Bruins since November 11
of last season, also against the Ducks.
Personal bests intersect
Career single-match marks for juniors Erika Selsor and Kristee
Porter crossed paths versus Oregon State. Selsor totaled 69
assists, nearing another entry in the elite 70-assist-per-match
club. She has achieved the mark eight times coming into the season,
her career high being 88 in a match versus UC Santa Barbara in
1998. Also in Thursday’s match, junior Porter notched 30
kills. Porter has achieved the 30-or-better mark eight times in her
Bruin career coming into the season.
Crosstown showdown
UCLA has played this week’s opponent, crosstown rival USC,
more than any other team in the NCAA. The Bruins have also suffered
more losses to the Trojans than to any other team, 35.
Current Bruin volleyballers have not seen much success versus
USC. UCLA is 3-5 since 1996 against the Trojans, despite having won
the last two.
Bruins at their personal bests
The past two Fridays for the team have seen three Bruins achieve
personal career milestones.
Senior Elizabeth Bachman reached her 500th block and 1,000th
kill against California on Friday, Oct. 22, and Friday, Oct. 29,
versus Oregon, respectively. Junior Ashley Bowles earned her
1,000th kill while junior Kristee Porter scored her 1,500th.
Looking out for Number 1, and 2
The Bruins’ next two opponents, USC and Arizona, are first
and second in the Pac-10. They are both undefeated with a combined
11 conference wins and a 23-1 combined overall record. Since 1988,
the Bruins have lost to the Wildcats only twice, both in 1995.
Notes compiled by Andrew Borders, Daily Bruin Contributor.