In the first game in program history, the UCLA sand volleyball team looks to begin a new legacy within Bruin athletics.
The UCLA sand volleyball squad is a newly established Division I team, made up of players from the indoor volleyball team, and it will play its first game today, against Florida State.
However, the adjustment from indoor to sand can be difficult even for the most experienced volleyball players.
“For some of the indoor athletes this is totally brand new,” said coach Stein Metzger. “So for them to just get their feet dirty … and start to get a feel for the game, I think, is one of our primary goals.”
Despite years of experience in indoor volleyball, it will take players time to adjust to playing in the sand.
“It is so different,” said sophomore Megan Moenoa. “I still feel like a beginner out there.”
The demands of sand volleyball require players to push the limits of their athletic ability, according to Metzger.
Players must also make a significant mental adjustment as they go from a six-member indoor team to a two-member team on the sand.
“It’s just you two out there so you have to really communicate and talk to your partner,” said junior Kelly Reeves.
The smaller team also places greater pressure on individual players to do their job and perform well.
“It’s only you and somebody else out there and I think you hold a little more responsibility,” Moenoa said. “You don’t have five other people on the court to take the pressure off of you.”
Sand volleyball players also have to overcome the elements. Movement is more difficult in the soft sand as opposed to the hardwood floor of an indoor court, and the wind can influence direction and speed of the ball.
“The wind is kind of a big factor. … It’s hard to play with because the ball just floats, so you really need to have good ball control,” Reeves said.
Despite the new challenges players face on the sand, and a relatively short season of just 13 matches, the team looks to make the most of its short season and improve its skills along the way.
“With the time that we have … we’re trying to get as good as possible, and hopefully by the end of the season we can start having some real success,” Metzger said.