UCSB's Sandell Big West POW

[TheSantaBarbarian]

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - UC Santa Barbara junior outside hitter Janine Sandell has been named the Big West Conference Player of the Week in women's volleyball, the league office announced Monday.

The London, England native earned this honor after averaging 5.83 kills and 2.50 digs per game as well as a .413 hitting percentage during the Gauchos' three-game victories over 25th-ranked Long Beach State and UC Irvine in the Thunderdome. Sandell pounded home a match-high 16 balls without a single error on Friday, Sept. 30 as UCSB defeated the 49ers for the seventh straight time, halting its four-match losing skid in the process. The following night against UCI she again led all players in put-aways with 19, helping Santa Barbara improve to 2-1 in league play. Those were the Gauchos' first pair of home contests in 2005 after playing 11 on the road to open the year.

[Rus Socoli]

I was hoping UCSB will crack the top 25 by sweeping the Beach. I realized they have a losing record but...hey, USC is up at 17th.

[TheSantaBarbarian]

I was a little surprised that we didn't add any points in the AVCA poll. However, with how horribly we played before this last weekend, I don't think a pair of sweeps on your home floor gets you an invite back into the Top 25. I'm sure not convinced. We'll see a little bit more when we play at Cal State Disneyland nest weekend. It still sounds really strange but they are the only undefeated Big West team left. UCSB needs several strong showings on the road in the Big West and then maybe wins at both Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount before we have earned the right to even be considered for the Top 25 again.

[UCSBVball]

I agree with TSB -- UCSB must win a few on the road - the next 4 matches will be tough - my bet is they will win all 4. Not by sweeps.