Now that basketball season is over, it leaves a hole to fill for UCLA sports fans used to rooting for the Bruins.
After the most-devoted UCLA fans invaded Sacramento, San Jose and Atlanta in consecutive weeks, there is now a void to fill on the sports calendar. I know most of you aren’t used to going out and watching other UCLA sports teams play, but many of them are quite talented, highly ranked and fun to watch. Here’s my guide to the top five remaining UCLA home games this school year. If you’re going to go to anymore games, you should go to these.
5. Baseball v. Oregon State, May 25-27. The defending champs come to Westwood in the last series of the regular season. With an improved UCLA baseball team, this series could determine who wins the Pac-10. The Friday game will likely be your last chance to see star pitcher Tyson Brummett pitch at UCLA.
4. Men’s tennis v. USC, April 20. Historically, this is one of the better UCLA-USC rivalries after football. The players get really into it, and since tennis is more of an individual sport, it lends itself more easily to a rivalry. The Los Angeles Tennis Center on a Friday afternoon is also a great setting for a big tennis match, with more loud, intrigued students than are typically watching when USC is involved. Both teams are ranked high this year too: UCLA is No. 11 and USC is No. 9.
3. Men’s volleyball v. UC Irvine, Friday. UC Irvine, surprisingly enough for those of you who don’t follow volleyball, has the No. 2 team in the country right now and made it to the Final Four last year. The No. 4-ranked Bruins haven’t lost to a team not ranked in the top two in over a month and will be looking for an upset. Men’s volleyball is also a great sport to watch in person, as it is fast-paced and quick.
2. Women’s water polo v. USC, Saturday. The only championship in this sport that UCLA didn’t win in the last four years went to USC (2004). This is the only time USC plays at UCLA this year, and both teams are ranked in the top three (UCLA 2, USC 3). Water polo games are quick, lasting only a little over an hour, and the fans are right next to the pool at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center.
1. Playoff games. Regular-season games are fun and dandy, but nothing compares to a playoff atmosphere. It is more than likely that many UCLA teams will host the first rounds of postseason play. Men’s and women’s tennis (May 10-12) and softball (May 18-20) are virtual locks to host at least the first round. Men’s volleyball (April 18 or 21) has a decent chance to host a playoff round as well. My favorite to watch among the likely ones on this list would be softball ““ the NCAA Regionals’ double-elimination format over three days makes it interesting and unique. And for those of you who like tennis, that Saturday of the regional weekend will likely feature three tournament matches at LATC.
E-mail Quiñonez at gquinonez@media.ucla.edu.