A quarterfinal berth, a chance to return to the title match and ultimately redemption.
A third-round matchup in Waco, Texas, pits seventh-seeded UCLA (20-4) against 10th-seeded Texas A&M (17-5) in a rematch of the 2013 NCAA semifinal. In their last dual match, the Aggies fell behind 3-1 before storming past the Bruins to win 4-3 and reach the title match.
The Bruins bring back four starters from that semifinal battle – including senior Chanelle Van Nguyen, who was overwhelmed by cramps and a relentless opponent in a deciding 6-4 third-set loss.
“We were capable of winning that match,” Van Nguyen said. “This time, we have to play even harder and focus even more if we want to beat them.”
Facing the last team to beat them in the NCAA Tournament, the Bruins said they are prepared to leave it all on the court. Both previous matchups against the Aggies have come down to the final match – the 2013 NCAA semifinal and a 2005 match in the ITA Division I National Women’s Team Indoor Championship.
“If we go in scared and defensive, it’ll be a rough day,” said coach Stella Sampras Webster. “But we’re especially fired up to play them. We’ve dealt with nerves, adversity and distraction. We need to go in confident and aggressive. If they trust in themselves and their game, I believe we’ll have a great day.”
UCLA has yet to drop a set through the first two rounds of play. However, with 15 of the top-16 seeds left in this draw, the Bruins acknowledge that there is no room for error if they want to repeat as national champions.
“On any given day, we can be beaten,” said freshman Terri Fleming. “To win it all again, we have to play hard and smart. We’re not going to be the only team with pressure on us, so we have to get out there ready to compete and pressure them.”
With each player prepared to battle against the top players in the country, UCLA readies itself for another deep tournament run.
Each matchup offers the Bruins a chance to prove that they are the best team in the country despite tournament seeds and national ranking.
“To be the best in the country, we’re going to face everyone and beat everyone,” Sampras Webster said. “We can handle these moments and nerves better than any other team.”
Looming in the NCAA quarterfinal is another potential rematch with No. 2-seeded North Carolina (29-1). The Tar Heels, who return five starters from last year’s runner-up squad, look to avenge their 4-3 loss to the Bruins in the 2014 NCAA title game.