It was a simple gesture, a normal occurrence for the average
person. But it may have cost UCLA junior middle blocker Allan Vince
his starting spot. Vince, who missed the beginning of
Saturday’s game to attend the wedding of a close friend, is
now embroiled in a battle for the starting position with junior
David Russell. “I knew I would be in this situation when I
made the decision,” Vince said. “But I just have to
move on and earn my spot back.” Vince’s absence on
Saturday allowed Russell, who recorded a team-high 15 kills, to
shine in playing his best match as a Bruin. That performance has
given UCLA coach Al Scates a very difficult decision to make.
“David showed me a lot on Saturday,” Scates said.
“Right now, I’m giving both Vince and Russell the
chance to play with the first team.” In his first two
seasons, Russell played in 28 matches for the Bruins. Since
redshirting the previous season, however, Russell has played in
two. Saturday’s match was a long time coming for Russell.
“I was just very thankful for the opportunity,” Russell
said. “The team is great this year, and I just want to
contribute any way I can.” Russell will have a chance to
contribute, starting this Thursday in a road game against Long
Beach State. Before that, however, he must beat Vince for the
starting position.
KLOSTERMAN MISSES PRACTICE: Opposite hitter Steve Klosterman
missed practice on Tuesday due to a case of a stomach flu. It was
the first time that Klosterman, who had recently been starting for
the injured Brennan Prahler, had missed practice all season.
“His illness definitely hurts us,” Scates said.
“But it has opened up the opportunity for Paul George and
Damien Scott.” “Both players played very well while
practicing with the first team.”
PLAYOFF SCENARIOS: In their final weekend of regular season, the
Bruins have a chance to grab the top spot of the Mountain Pacific
Sports Federation standings. If they win both matches this week and
Pepperdine loses one of its matches, the Bruins will be on top and
host the MPSF semifinals. For junior setter Dennis Gonzalez,
however, it doesn’t matter where the Bruins play. “At
this point in the season, every game is crucial,” Gonzalez
said. “If our team can’t get ourselves excited for the
final few games, we don’t deserve to be in
playoffs.”