Playing at Pepperdine in 2001, the UCLA men’s volleyball
team picked up its 1,000th win under head coach Al Scates.
It seems like that was ages ago.
Now, Scates needs what would arguably be an even greater victory
against the top-ranked Waves (20-3, 17-2 MPSF) on Saturday at
Firestone Fieldhouse. The No. 10 Bruins (14-12, 9-10) are tied for
eigth place in the conference and are a half match out of the
playoffs with only three to play.
“It’s a must-win match, and they’re the team
to beat,” Scates said. “But this team is not letting
down.”
UCLA, coming off a 3-1 road win over USC, must stop
Pepperdine’s serve in order to have a chance. Freshman
outside hitter Saul Zemaitaitis, a ball-control specialist, figures
to be key.
“We just need to roll with the punches, get dirty and get
in the playoffs,” Zemaitaitis said.
The Bruins already lost to the Waves 3-1 in February. And back
then, UCLA had middle blocker Scott Morrow in action.
The senior has since broken his finger and been lost for the
year. His defensive presence will be missed against the Waves.
“Things haven’t been going our way all season, but
anything can happen,” middle blocker Chris Peña said.
“If we follow our game plan, it could happen.”
Firestone Fieldhouse will also be a tough place for UCLA to play
because of Pepperdine’s loud supporters.
“Whenever we play, all the students come out,”
Scates said. “I don’t know if they don’t have
chapel or what. Maybe they want to see us play.”
With a victory, UCLA ties its all-time season low for wins
““ a record set in 1976. But that year, the Bruins went 15-2
on their way to a national championship.
With a loss on Saturday, any championship hopes UCLA has may
very well be lost.