The UCLA women’s volleyball team has had many standout
performers en route to its 20-1 record this season. But perhaps one
of the surprise contributors to the team has been sophomore
defensive specialist Jade Machado. Machado, whose listed
5-foot-6-inch frame is the smallest on the team, has seen a lot of
action in the back row for the Bruins this year, playing in all 21
matches so far and delivering 102 digs. Last season, which had a
virtually identical roster, Machado split playing time with fellow
sophomore Blair Socci and senior Laura Kroneberger before injuring
her elbow in early November and missing the rest of the season. But
this season, the defensive specialist role has been filled almost
exclusively by Machado, whose resilient play has given the Bruins a
lift. “She comes up with some key plays out there, some digs
that are unreal,” coach Andy Banachowski said.
“She’s been real steady with her passing, she reads
really well, and she moves really well. It solidifies our defense
when Jade is out there.” A setter coming out of high school,
Machado has had to put in extra hours throughout her time at UCLA
in order to learn how to fill the defensive specialist role. For
Machado, being a key part of the success of the 2006 Bruins has
been extremely rewarding. “This is the most amazing season I
could ever imagine,” Machado said. “All the girls are
the best, and to have such a great record is the coolest
experience. It makes you want to work harder every day in
practice.”
UNFORGETTABLE: One of the lighter moments of
the season for Machado and the Bruins occurred in UCLA’s
five-game loss to Stanford last Friday. With the game score tied at
1-1 and the Bruins up 24-22 in game three, sophomore outside hitter
Ali Daley made a desperation set in an area where only Machado
could spike the ball. Machado, who very rarely gets a chance to hit
the ball over the net, made the most out of the opportunity with a
powerful spike that sent the ball to the floor for her first career
UCLA kill. The play got the Bruins on the bench jumping up and down
with excitement and amazement. Machado ran off the floor with a
wide smile into a parade of screaming teammates. The energized
Bruins went on to win Game 3, 30-25. TIGHT RACE: Heading into
Friday’s showdown with crosstown rival USC, UCLA finds itself
in a heated race for the top spot in the Pac-10. With the
Bruins’ loss to Stanford on Friday, every team in the Pac-10
has now had at least one conference loss. The Bruins are tied with
the Trojans atop the standings with identical 7-1 conference
records. Following close behind are Stanford, with a 6-1 record,
and Washington, with a 5-2 record. “I don’t think
anyone expected to come out of the conference undefeated,”
coach Andy Banachowski said. “That’s why (the loss to
Stanford) was so disappointing ““ it gives them an advantage
in the standings,” he said.