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UCLA men’s volleyball team looks toward victorious year

By Daily Bruin Staff

Nov. 12, 1996 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 13, 1996

M. VOLLEYBALL:

Bruins finish preseason against Long Beach State tonight By
Jennifer Kollenborn

Daily Bruin Contributor

The UCLA men’s volleyball team faces Long Beach State tonight at
7:30 p.m. in Pauley Pavilion. This final exhibition match is the
last time to observe the defending national champions until
January.

The Bruins feel that Long Beach State will be a trial match for
the upcoming season since the 49ers were the last team to beat UCLA
in the regular season.

Last April, Long Beach State swept the Bruins in three games.
Yet, when asked about the upcoming match, senior Paul Nihipali
said, "I feel optimistic."

The Bruins will start three returning players from last year’s
squad, including Nihipali at quick hitter. Nihipali, who played
opposite All-American Stein Metzger last year, earned first-team
All-MPSF and first-team All-American honors in 1996. In addition,
Nihipali led the team in kills with 590. Junior Tom Stillwell was
selected to the 1996 NCAA All-Tournament Team and MPSF Honorable
mention last season. Also back is sophomore Fred Robins at swing
hitter.

Three freshmen will fill the other spots. This trio brings great
strength and agility to UCLA. Brandon Taliaferro, replacing
Metzger, is from San Clemente High School. Taliaferro was named MVP
in the 1996 Junior Olympics and presently leads the team in service
aces.

Adam Naeve, the tallest Bruin at 6 feet 10 inches, is a swing
hitter from Mira Costa High School. Naeve was awarded MVP in
C.I.F., and made the 1996 Junior National Team. Matt Davis, a swing
hitter from San Diego, made the All-Tournament C.I.F. team and
brings an impressive jump serve to the game.

The Bruins swept the NCAA Tournament for the 16th time last May
and expect to finish the same this year.

"We are contending for the NCAA championship," says head coach
Al Scates.

UCLA started this year with a bang by winning the Rucanor
Thunderball XI tournament in Canada. Three players received
honorary mention in the tournament. Junior Tom Stillwell earned MVP
honors, while Adam Naeve and freshman Brandon Taliaferro earned
All-Tournament.

Daily Bruin File Photo

Paul Nihipali (#10), a quick hitter, is one of three returning
players.

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