For a volleyball program that has 19 NCAA championships under its belt, it is no wonder why UCLA expects to be a title contender each and every season. And when the Bruins schedule non-conference matches in the regular season, they go into each game thinking it could be a showdown of potential Final Four competition.
So tonight when the No. 5 Bruins take on No. 11 Loyola University Chicago, they will be sure to take special note of their opponent, in the chance that they might see the Ramblers again in May.
UCLA will also get to test itself against another Midwest team, Ball State, next week as well.
“We need to play different teams from the East and the Midwest when the opportunities arise because when we get to the Final Four, there’s always one representative from the Midwest (Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) and one from the (Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association),” UCLA coach Al Scates said. “(Loyola) very well could represent the Midwest in the Final Four.
“We plan on playing well at the end of the season and being there, so this could be an important match.”
The Bruins (11-8, 9-7 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) are coming off a win at home against UC San Diego, but the Ramblers (14-3, 4-2 MIVA) are riding high on a nine-match winning streak.
Loyola Chicago is led by junior opposite Ian Anderson, who is leading the Shondell/Dunlap Division of the MIVA in kills and points per game, with 5.42 and 6.10, respectively. He is also second in the conference in hitting percentage, with a clip of .538.
The matchup with UCLA’s own opposite Steve Klosterman may turn out to be quite a face-off. Though Klosterman is only averaging 3.87 kills per game throughout this season, he has averaged 6.6 kills in the past four matches, including a career high of 31 kills against Northridge.
“Lately we’ve been going to Steve a little more,” Scates said. “It very well could be an interesting battle between those two.”
“You put Klosterman against any opposite in the country and he’ll win,” said senior outside hitter Paul George, confident in his fellow classmate’s ability on the right side.
Although from different conferences, the two teams do have some common opponents to which they can compare themselves. The Ramblers have played two MPSF teams earlier this season, defeating both Hawai’i and Northridge in five.
“They’re obviously a good team,” George said. “Any team that can come out here and compete (is formidable).”
The Ramblers also posed a challenge for UCLA last season, when they took the Bruins to the brink in five sets. Tonight’s match may pose a similar if not greater threat to the Bruins, as Loyola returns six starters.
“We can’t underestimate any team,” George said. “We definitely expect them to be a challenge. They’re doing well. They’re probably having as good a year as we are this season.”
“I’m sure they’ll be pretty pumped to be coming down here to California and play us,” Klosterman said. “We take each team with the thought that they can beat us. We just give them respect.”