Needing some stability after suffering through an array of
injuries and suspensions during the past week, the Bruins finally
got some good news. Senior setter Krystal McFarland, who sustained
a sprained right ankle against Oregon last month, returned to the
lineup this past weekend. McFarland saw limited action against the
Arizona schools, splitting time with redshirt sophomore Tammy
Jackson. “I was a little bit rusty, having limited practice
time,” McFarland said. “But it felt good getting back
into the lineup.” It was McFarland’s first match since
sustaining the injury, and it came at a time she was greatly
needed. The Bruins were without senior outside hitter Heather
Cullen, who is suffering from a strain in her lower back, and were
coming off a five-game loss to Pepperdine, a match in which they
held a 2-0 lead. “It has been really hard to gain any
momentum without having a consistent lineup,” coach Andy
Banachowski said. “But McFarland’s return should
definitely help us regain some of that.” McFarland registered
20 assists against Arizona St. and came back with 29 in the loss
against Arizona, but did not look like her true self. “She
still needs a little work. That’s why I installed Tammy
instead of her in certain situations,” Banachowski said.
“But hopefully, she will be back to form this
weekend.”
BACK ON THE BENCH: Brittany Ringel, typically
one of UCLA’s starting outside hitters, did not play Friday
against Arizona State. Banachowski replaced Ringel in the lineup
with sophomore Becky Green because he had been disappointed with
the senior’s effort against Pepperdine earlier that week.
“We’ve been really struggling with our production from
the outside,” Banachowski said, “and I thought Green
could give us a boost. “I have been pleased with her
play.” Green, in fact, was the Bruins’ leading hitter
with 15 kills and a .393 hitting percentage in Saturday’s
match against Arizona. Ringel, who was suspended for the
Bruins’ Oct. 21 match against Oregon, saw limited action in
Saturday’s match against Arizona.
LYMAN INJURED: Sticking with the theme of
injuries, the Bruins’ opposite hitter Colby Lyman left
Saturday’s match against Arizona early in the first game.
Lyman suffered from pain in her shoulder and could not continue in
the match. “It was just matter of my arm being worn
out,” Lyman said. “I haven’t taken this many
swings in a long time and my body is not used to it.” Lyman
sat out practice Monday, but received a cortisone shot over the
weekend and is expected to return either Tuesday or Wednesday.
“The shot really helped,” Lyman said. “Hopefully
I can come back, because our team really needs it.”