UCLA defeats USC in 4 games

[Rocky]

Bruins Defeat Trojans in Four Games
Five players record double-digit kills.


March 30, 2004


The third-ranked UCLA men's volleyball team defeated No.15 USC in four games Tuesday night in Pauley Pavilion.

The Bruins won 30-21, 27-30, 30-25, 30-23 in two hours in front of 702 fans. The victory raised the Bruins' record to 19-4 overall, 13-4 in league play. USC fell to 6-18, 4-13.

Five UCLA players recorded double-digit kills led by freshman opposite Steve Klosterman's 16 (.538) kills and 20.5 points. Junior Paul Johnson was next with 15 kills (.636), followed by 14 from senior Chris Pena (.320), 12 from Kris Kraushaar (.409) and 10 from J.T. Wenger. The Bruins hit .545 for the match, served seven aces and out-blocked the Trojans, 12.0-8.0.

Blake Tippett led USC with 13 kills, but was held to an attack percentage of .125. USC hit .278 for the match and served four aces.

UCLA meets Pepperdine in Malibu Saturday night beginning at 7 p.m.

[My2Sense]

I think most people would appreciate the atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion last night. Fox Sports West 2 taped the match with Chris Marlow and Karch Kiraly doing the TV announcing. The arena was configured differently for this match, the same way it's done for the W-VB games there, where a large drape covers half the floor area and the end zone seats are used with the court being turned sideways and Sport Court being layed down.

With all the fans compressed into the smaller area it was a great atmoshphere inclusive of the UCLA alumni band. Also in attendance were National team coach Doug Beal and a contingent of national team members. Also Sinjin Smith. And many other vb celebs.

Fox Sports West2 will air the match tomorrow, April 1 at 8PM.

The Bruins had an impressive 5 guys in double figures. SC has really improved over the course of the season. I wouldn't take them lightly if I were an upcoming opponent.

[midwestfan]

Is Julio Acevedo still at UCLA? He isn't on their roster but I'm guessing that maybe they aren't listing all their red shirts. He was one of their top two recruits last year.

[My2Sense]

He's redshirting. A great guy.

[midwestfan]

I noticed when I was on their website that all three of the setters on their roster are sophmores and they are redshirting Avecedo ... wow!