The UCLA women’s volleyball team held their first
intrasquad scrimmage Wednesday at Collins Court in preparation for
the USA Volleyball Nationals next week in Atlanta, Ga. The
scrimmage marked the end of the spring practice for the Bruins and
the first game experience for Bruin transfer Nana Meriwether and
redshirt freshman Rachell Johnson. “The scrimmage gave the
girls some needed game experience before nationals,” coach
Andy Banachowski said. “I could see that they had some
jitters playing before the crowd.” The Bruins were separated
into two teams, gold and blue, with the first team working against
the reserves. That gave the starters the opportunity to work with
last year’s starter Heather Cullen, who had been limited to
very little practice time during the spring. “Heather is
almost back to where she was at the end of last season,”
Banachowski said. “She just needs some practice and
she’ll be fine.” Cullen, the Bruins’ No. 2 hitter
last year, underwent surgery on her knee in January and was not
able to play volleyball until April 15. “It was a long
process,” Cullen said. “But the coaches were very
encouraging and I am pleased.”
MIDDLE BLOCKER POSITION OPEN: A intriguing
aspect of the scrimmage was the battle for the middle blocker
position, which is open after the graduation of middle blocker Cira
Wright, the only senior on last year’s team. Sophomore Nancy
Barba and newcomer Nana Meriwether battled on opposing teams for
the spot. “I was very impressed with the work of Nana and
Nancy,” Banachowski said. “I feel the middle blocker
position is going to be a strong point for us.” A transfer
from Duke, Meriwether was making her first game experience with the
Bruins and played with both the blue and gold team during the
match. “I have really enjoyed my time here,” Meriwether
said. “The girls have been awesome, and the spring schedule
has been very competitive, with all the players battling.”
Barba, on the other hand, had very little playing time last year,
but her role will to be larger next year with the departure of
Wright.
LYMAN SITS OUT: Freshman outside hitter Colby
Lyman was held out of the scrimmage Wednesday after having problems
with a stress fracture this spring. “She was having problems
with her foot last week, and we decided to hold her out,”
Banachowski said. “Her status is currently
questionable.”