With an array of new faces in the lineup, the UCLA men’s
volleyball team looked very different from last year’s No. 4
ranked team.
But if Saturday’s exhibition match against UC Irvine was
any indication, that may not be a bad thing.
Wrapping up their exhibition season with a 3-0 sweep of UCI on
Saturday, the Bruins have a lot to look forward to this season.
“The team is very strong and mature this year,”
coach Al Scates said. “Against UCI, we played very well, and
we will be ready for the regular season if we stay in shape during
the next month.”
The Bruins showed their preparation Saturday, with senior quick
hitter Allan Vince leading the team with 11 kills (.556) and
Jonathan Acosta recording 10 kills of his own.
With their contributions, the Bruins combined for a .414 overall
attack percentage.
Freshman libero Tony Ker, in particular, stood out in the match.
Ker recorded a match-high 14 digs and did an admirable job of
replacing All-American Adam Shrader, who graduated last year.
The Bruins out-blocked the Anteaters 10-4, limiting them to a
.173 percentage and taking advantage of their prowess at the
net.
“Everyone played with consistency and passion,”
Vince said. “We had a good game plan and stuck to
it.”
The same effort will be expected when setters Beau Peters and
Dennis Gonzalez return to lineup in January.
“We are definitely improving with each game, and the team
looks really good right now,” Vince said. “All of the
positions are filled in perfectly, and each player is contributing
to the team.”
The effect of losing star players such as Shrader, Chris
Peña and Marcin Jagoda will be felt, but with the increased
leadership of seniors Paul Johnson and Kris Kraushaar, the impact
should be limited.
“This year’s team is bigger, stronger and quicker
than last year’s was at this point,” Scates said.
“Several of the players have really stepped up this year, and
we are strong at every position.”
If the Bruins open the regular season with the solid passing,
serving and defense they showed against UCI, they should have a
positive season ahead.
“We have the talent and the drive to win against any team
in the country,” Vince said.
With reports from Sagar Parikh, Bruin Sports senior
staff.