Author Archives: Eli Smukler

Although its split decision at the Oregon schools this weekend may not have satisfied the ambitious UCLA women’s volleyball team, the work of a few bench players on Saturday night saved the Bruins from what could have been a disastrous blow to its season.

For those with questions about the UCLA women’s volleyball team’s 2008 campaign, the time for answers has arrived.

For athletes to attain success, they must be able to run on self-motivation, the internal motor that keeps running even after milestones have been reached and expectations fulfilled.

Starting out the season with three straight national titles creates incredibly high expectations for returning players to keep pace with their past successes.

PALO ALTO “”mdash; As the final horn echoed across Stanford’s Avery Aquatic Complex, one fan amid a sea of blue and gold held up a sign that read “UCLA SENIORS 4 for 4.”

Early in the second quarter of the NCAA semifinal, the top-seeded UCLA women’s water polo team was granted a promising 6-on-4 advantage. As the ball fell toward junior Tanya Gandy, wide open just inches from the goal, it bounced off her fingers and into the hands of the nearest UC Davis defender.

With the way the undefeated UCLA women’s water polo team has been brushing aside the competition all season, many of its games have actually appeared more like formalities than face-offs.