Women’s volleyball season preview

KEY GAMES

Sept. 24 at USC

Last season, the Bruins won at the Galen Center for the first time, and they now look to start a winning streak at the home of their rivals.

Oct. 8 v. California

The Bruins open their home season against the Bears, whom they defeated in both their meetings last season.

Oct. 9 v. Stanford

UCLA faces Stanford, last year’s Pac-10 Champions. The Bruins and the Cardinal split last year’s season series.

2009 RECAP

Last season was a chaotic one for the women’s volleyball team. After going 23-8 in the regular season and finishing in third place in the Pac-10, the Bruins were upset at home by Baylor in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That loss ended their season, but it was the first of several the team would face in the off-season. Lauren Cook and Amanda Gil transferred, and coach Andy Banachowski retired, shaking the foundation of the team. Though the Bruins had a strong start to their 2009 campaign, their season ended in disappointment both on and off the court.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Although the women’s volleyball team lost its coach of the last 43 years along with two of its most talented players, there are reasons for optimism. New coach Mike Sealy replaces Andy Banachowski as the head man of the women’s program. Sealy has previously been an assistant coach for both the UCLA men’s and women’s volleyball teams, and won a national title as a Bruin in 1993. Despite losing Lauren Cook and Amanda Gil to rival schools, the Bruins still retain the services of promising sophomore Bojana Todorovic as well as key starter Dicey McGraw, who returns for her senior season.

SOURCE: uclabruins.com

Compiled by Bruin Sports senior staff.

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