Every Friday The Bruin’s Sports section will predict the outcome of the weekend’s top three UCLA sporting events.
Women’s water polo: UCLA v. Stanford
Friday, 1:30 p.m.
According to coach Brandon Brooks, No. 2 UCLA has been working on being aggressive when it plays strong teams like No. 1 Stanford. This is important considering UCLA fell to Stanford earlier in the season before defeating the Cardinal in the UCI Invitational. With that, the possible winner is up in the air – but with UCLA’s home-pool advantage, the Bruins will likely take this game, albeit narrowly.
Men’s volleyball: UCLA v. BYU
Saturday, 7 p.m.
UCLA fell to BYU in its last contest, but it was up against not only the team, but also its fans – BYU’s home gym is a notoriously daunting place to play. On Saturday, the Cougars will take on the Bruins in the Wooden Center for senior night, which is sure to be packed and should provide UCLA with the energy it has lately been lacking as of late. BYU will take it in five sets, but each will be a fight to the finish.
Baseball: UCLA v. Arizona
Friday through Sunday
Despite the fact that Arizona boasts the top offense in the conference, expect the Bruins to rally behind what should be strong outings from starting pitchers sophomore James Kaprielian and junior Grant Watson. UCLA’s offense should also bounce back and take advantage of Arizona’s subpar pitching with runners in scoring in position. UCLA will win the series, taking two out of three games.
2014 prediction record to date: 4-5