UCLA setter Dennis Gonzalez, who was academically ineligible
during fall quarter, was reinstated to the men’s volleyball
team Wednesday and is expected to be in uniform this weekend in
Santa Barbara. A starter for most of last season, Gonzalez saw his
grades falter during spring quarter of last year. He needed to pass
four of his classes this fall to be eligible for this season.
“It was definitely a learning experience,” the junior
said. “But I’m looking forward to moving on from
this.” Though he received the necessary grades, passing all
four of his classes, there is a new obstacle in his way. Julio
“Gaby” Acevedo, a highly touted recruit, has taken over
as setter in Gonzalez’s absence and has done an admirable
job, leading UCLA to a 5-0 record in the preseason. “The
coaches gave me an opportunity to prove myself, and I feel I have
responded,” Acevedo said. “I don’t see there
being any changes if we keep winning.” Acevedo redshirted
last season but was already expected to play a much larger role
this season before Gonzalez was declared ineligible. “It will
be a very interesting battle between the two,” UCLA coach Al
Scates said. “Both are great setters and have an amazing feel
for the game.” Gonzalez went through a similar experience
last season, when he lost his starting position after the winter
vacation to sophomore Beau Peters. But he was eventually able to
get back his position later in the season, and he will look to
prove himself again. “I’m very excited,” Gonzalez
said. “I thrive on competition, and knowing that I have to
work my way up is just added motivation.”
PRESEASON NO. 1: The Bruins, who finished third
in the MPSF last season, have been ranked preseason No. 1 in the
latest issue of Volleyball Magazine. UCLA, which has not won a
national title in four seasons, will have the added incentive of
hosting the NCAA Final Four this season. “This team is very
confident,” Scates said. “We have a new attitude and
our seniors will be there to lead us.” UCLA has four seniors
in the starting lineup and will have one of its most veteran
lineups in the past few years.
FORMER BRUINS EXCEL: Former Bruin outside
hitter Marcin Jagoda has surfaced on the professional level in
Europe, in basketball that is. Jagoda, who passed up scholarship
opportunities to play Division I basketball, is a member of club
MDS STAR in Ireland. Jagoda, a Polish citizen, is averaging 6.0
points and 3.5 rebounds a game in his first professional season.
Jagoda’s teammate at UCLA, Chris Peña, pursued a similar
opportunity to play professional basketball in Europe but recently
broke his hand and has since returned to California.