As the Waves make their way toward Pauley Pavilion tonight, the
Bruins are doing all they can to brace for the storm.
“Pepperdine is the hottest team right now. They’re
ranked third in the nation, but they have the best record
overall,” men’s volleyball head coach Al Scates said,
noting Pepperdine’s 7-0 MPSF record.
With last year’s NCAA MVP Brad Keenan playing at middle
blocker and outside hitters Sean Rooney and Fred Winters who both
average four kills per game, the Waves boast three returning
players who will surely provide a challenge for UCLA.
“It’s going to be a good game,” UCLA redshirt
freshman setter Aaron Dodd said. “We’re ready to come
out and play a lot better. We’re taking the wins and the
losses as they come.”
The No. 12 Bruins themselves have so far experienced a rocky
season, currently holding a 2-5 MPSF record (5-6 overall). A win
against the Waves tonight would be an upset, but Scates sees it as
an opportunity for the Bruins to regain their composure.
“The team is getting better now,” Scates said.
“We have five out of our six starters back on the court, and
the season has just been a gradual process towards getting up to
full strength.”
With players recently recovered from injuries, the Bruins now
also have the newfound luxury of stability on the court.
“We’re expecting a stable frontline, and we’re
all glad to have Scott Morrow back,” quick hitter Patrick
Nihipali said. “But I think that the brute mentality of the
team hasn’t been fully there until Friday’s victory
over UCSB. That’s when we realized that we could do this, and
we should continue doing it from now on.”
Since the win against UCSB, the Bruins have anticipated
Wednesday’s game and have worked intensely on defensive
play.
Monday and Tuesday’s practices consisted of very physical
workouts with an emphasis on blocking and hitting for better
averages. This week’s training has the team optimistically
looking to continue on a winning streak with the Waves.
“We just need to stack up against (Pepperdine). I’m
expecting us to slaughter them,” Nihipali said.
Scates, too, acknowledges the strength of the Bruins.
“It would be an upset if we beat them, as the Waves are
really ready for play-offs and are probably as good as
they’re going to get,” Scates said.
“They’re the best team out there. But with Scott
Morrow back along with our other starters, and (Matt) McKinney
playing strong as opposite, we’re just getting
better.”
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Wednesday’s match will be broadcast live on the internet
at www.uclabruins.com.