The UCLA men’s volleyball team isn’t quite sure what
kind of challenge the University of LaVerne will pose, but it plans
on another victory tonight at Pauley Pavilion against the No.
3-ranked team in Division III.
“We’re kind of in the dark about LaVerne, but
we’re just concentrating on what we’re doing,”
outside hitter Kris Kraushaar said.
The No. 7 Bruins (9-7, 6-6 MPSF) are returning from a
three-match road trip where they extended their winning streak to
four, the longest so far this season. LaVerne could potentially be
fifth in line, especially as UCLA is in the process of regaining
full strength.
“We’re playing better now. Over the weekend,
Jonathan Acosta hit well in all three matches, Chris Peña is
serving better, and Adam Shrader is passing well,” head coach
Al Scates said.
“But it will definitely be good to play back at
home.”
Scates also hesitantly anticipates playing more Bruins on the
court.
“We’re looking more closely at Jesse Debban and
Brennan Prahler, and Allan Vince has been looking good in
practice,” Scates said. “(LaVerne) can be an
opportunity for them to play.”
The Bruins are not letting the winning streak get to their
heads, even though the last three wins came on a difficult road
trip.
“There’s been a sense of urgency in the team,”
Kraushaar said. “We needed to win those away matches.
Everyone’s back now, and has been working harder more and
more.”
Senior Scott Morrow, a key player at quick hitter, is back on
the court after returning from a knee injury.
“I’m just playing as hard as I can,” Morrow
said. “We played well (last weekend), and we’re getting
a lot better every week. Everyone’s contributing to the
overall effort.”
In practice, the Bruins are focusing on the fundamentals, and on
blocking and defensive play. The relief of playing at home is held
in check by UCLA’s high expectations, and also the upcoming
road match against No. 8 Long Beach State and UC San Diego later
this week.