Having experienced a frustrating weekend against BYU in Utah,
the UCLA men’s volleyball team returns with an even higher
resolve. Tonight, it will battle Cal State Northridge ““ this
time refusing to fall short of its expectations.
And what are these expectations?
“To win,” outside hitter Jonathan Acosta said.
After a few moments of silence, he clarified,
“That’s it.”
Bruin head coach Al Scates expanded upon the subject.
“There’s a sense of urgency at this time,” he
said. “We need to go after every ball, dive on to the floor,
everything we can. We need the two wins this week.”
No. 11 UCLA will face No. 12 CSUN tonight at Pauley Pavilion,
where the Bruins have never fallen to the Matadors. The
Bruins’ goal is for that record to remain spotless.
Currently at 1-4 in the MPSF, UCLA hopes to improve its record
by claiming victories this week over CSUN and, on Friday, over UC
Santa Barbara.
Injuries that have plagued the UCLA team may soon not be an
issue. Senior middle blocker Scott Morrow, rendered unable to play
since undergoing knee surgery in November, may return to the court
after intense rehab. Junior Matt Shubin might also suit up after
recovering from the flu. Having them back in position as middle
blockers will prove invaluable to the team.
“We may be back up to full strength in the next few
weeks,” Scates said.
“Every game is important,” Shubin
said. “The injuries don’t help, but if all the
guys get healthy, that will help us. But we plan on winning no
matter what. We’re just taking these games one at a
time.”
Chris Peña has been an asset as a middle blocker, as has
J.T. Wenger as opposite hitter. Both were leading hitters against
BYU.
“It’s frustrating. We’ve had a lot of
improvement, and if we execute what we have to do, then we’ll
win,” Acosta said.
Acosta’s intensity disregards the distractions of the
team, and centers on the much-needed victory. While CSUN does boast
its best team since 1993, UCLA refuses to be intimidated.
“Injuries should never be an excuse,” Acosta said.
“We have good players, and we can play some good volleyball.
We just need to be focusing and winning.”