In a response to the split over the past weekend at Stanford and
Pacific, the UCLA men’s volleyball team (4-1) has installed
Dennis Gonzalez as the new setter over Beau Peters.
Gonzalez, the No. 1 setter during fall practice, played
exceptionally well and took over for Peters during the second game
of the loss to Stanford.
Despite being replaced by Peters to begin the Pacific match,
Gonzalez came back in the second game to lead the Bruins to
victory.
“Gonzalez deserved the chance; he has been playing really
well lately and the hitters’ averages were higher when he was
in the game,” coach Al Scates said.
Peters, who had been given the first opportunity at the position
this winter season, took the lineup change in stride.
“Dennis played exceptionally well in the Pacific game and
as long as the team wins, I’ll be happy to play whatever role
the coach wants me to,” Peters said. “The best players
are gonna play and that is what you have to love about the
program.”
Gonzalez began the winter season as the top setter, but was not
in top physical condition after becoming sick during winter break
in his home in Puerto Rico.
Now that his health has improved, Gonzalez has regained his
starting position.
MORE LINEUP CHANGES: In another drastic lineup
change from the first weekend, Scates has replaced quick hitter
Allan Vince with fifth-year senior Chris Peña.
“The lineup change was a numbers move,” Scates said.
“Chris had a far better hitting average than Vince over the
weekend and earned the opportunity.”
Peña was not surprised by the move.
“I always expected the lineup change, but only recently
did I feel that I earned it,” he said.
Though Peña has been a mainstay in the program and a major
contributor for the last three years, he will refuse to grow
complacent with his new role.
“I expect nothing less from the other blockers than to try
to prove themselves and compete for the position,” Peña
said.
BRUINS DROP IN POLLS: Coming off their loss to
former No. 11 Stanford over the weekend, the Bruins have dropped
from No. 2 to No. 3 in this week’s USA TODAY/AVCA top 25
poll.
They face No. 10 UC Irvine (3-3) this Friday at the Bren Events
Center. It will be the first time in history an Anteater volleyball
match will take place at the venue.