The UCLA women’s volleyball team began its season on a hot streak, winning nine of its first 10 matches. However, after the beginning of Pac-12 play, the team faltered.
First came a Sept. 25 loss to No. 2 USC. Then, an upset loss on Sept. 27 to Colorado. The team’s 3-0 loss against No. 7 Stanford on Wednesday was its third straight defeat.
The No. 16 Bruins (9-4, 0-3 Pac-12) will try to break this streak today against the California Golden Bears (8-3, 1-1).
In the midst of its first stretch of adversity this season, the team’s ability to focus and maintain concentration is being tested.
“Every team in the Pac-12 is going to be rough. We had a good preseason, beat some easy teams, but now we’re in the Pac-12,” said sophomore libero Karly Drolson. “It’s not just … volleyball, we’re going to have to fight for every game.”
Attack errors have been a common thread for the Bruins in their losses this season. In the losses to USC and Colorado, UCLA committed 22 and 34 errors respectively.
It’s hard to stay in the game when giving away many points, and the Bruins realize that. Several players said that maintaining focus after dropping points is one of the biggest areas where the team needs to improve.
“We’re right there, battling neck and neck, and then just one little play just sets us off, and I think we can’t let that happen,” said senior outside hitter Kelly Reeves. “I think we’re starting to realize that now, and now we have to change it, try and bounce back and find that passion.”
The California team UCLA will take on has been going through its own share of issues. The Golden Bears, who have not played since last Friday, are coming off their first Pac-12 victory, a three-set win over Arizona that snapped their own three-game losing streak.
The victory, however, was not a commanding one, as the Golden Bears needed some timely Wildcat mistakes to help them take the match. Cal, much like UCLA, has been plagued by unforced mistakes throughout the season.
Despite this, the Golden Bears are no pushover. When they play well, they can compete with the best teams in the country, as evidenced by their four-set loss to Stanford, in which the team only lost by a combined seven points.
“Cal is a very good team,” Reeves said. “They gave Stanford their money’s worth, (and they’re) a great blocking team with good hitters. They’re going to be out gunning for us … It’s always a great battle against them.”
Today’s match showcases a clash of two teams still trying to find their identities. Cal, hungry for a commanding victory, will not be an easy opponent for UCLA, and the Bruins will need all of the focus and concentration they can muster against the Golden Bears.
According to junior setter Megan Moenoa, the team is not shying from the challenge ahead.
“We know we have a long way to go, and everybody’s just ready to work,” she said.