With the new women’s volleyball season come new faces, new responsibilities and, for junior Jade Machado, a new jersey color.
As 2007 kicks off and rolls into Pac-10 play, the Bruins welcome their newest off-colored-jersey-wearing libero into the starting lineup.
From playing in one third of the games in her freshman year to earning a role as one of two defensive specialists in 2006, Machado has shined after winning the battle at libero this year.
After former libero Jordan Smith decided to leave the team following last season, not wanting to pursue volleyball any longer, juniors Jessica Fine and Machado dueled it out in practice. Fine emerged victorious and was given the start in the Bruins’ opener against Utah, but when Machado came in, coach Andy Banachowski had a change in plans.
“Jessica was leading and got the first start, but Jade came in and played better in the match,” Banachowski said. “She won the job on the court during match time.”
Filling in for Smith and her late-season replacement Colby Lyman, Machado brings a different look to the libero position. At 5 feet 6 inches, she is overshadowed by her two 6-foot predecessors but makes up for her lack of height with a strong determination, Banachowski said.
“She’s the hardest worker on the team,” he said. “She doesn’t mentally take breaks out there, always pushing herself to be better. She’s got good speed, and she’s pretty relentless. Just that determination helps her make the play every time.”
Eight matches later, Machado has already accumulated 97 digs, which is nearly half her total from last season. Along with fellow juniors Ali Daley and Nellie Spicer, the small-framed libero has helped UCLA lead the Pac-10 in digs, as the Bruins hold an average of 18.63 digs per game. Machado, Daley and Spicer are seventh, eighth and 10th, respectively, in digs per game in the conference.
“I love having the opportunity to contribute to the team and getting a lot of digs and passes,” Machado said.
The junior has had an easier time adjusting to her increased workload this season, as she has grown physically and mentally since entering the Bruin program.
“I think that Jade has really stepped up and moved into the role of libero and is doing a fantastic job,” Banachowski said. “She’s progressed through the program and gotten stronger, become a better volleyball player and a better athlete now that she’s stronger and quicker.”
And Machado has welcomed the opportunity to get more playing time this season.
“You’re in the game the whole time,” Machado said, comparing her new responsibilities with being a defensive specialist. “(I have) more impact in the game and (am) more involved. I really like it.”