Bruins gain invitational win over Penn State
Senior outside hitter Robart Page hurtles the ball over the net. Beginning the Outrigger Hotels Invitational in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a victory against Penn State, Page said that the focus of the week has been on personal play rather than opponents.
By Claire Fahy
Jan. 10, 2014 2:06 a.m.
It wasn’t pretty, but it was much needed.
UCLA men’s volleyball regained momentum Thursday when it outlasted No. 11 Penn State to start the Outrigger Hotels Invitational on a victorious note.
The game was uncomfortably close after UCLA followed up its 25-15 first set with losses in the second (22-25) and third (23-25) sets to put itself under serious pressure.
However, the Bruins responded with two back-to-back 25-21 and 16-14 wins of their own to top the Nittany Lions and earn their first win since going 2-3 at last weekend’s UCSB Asics Invitational.
Senior outside hitter Robart Page led the team with 23 kills, and fellow senior outside hitter Gonzalo Quiroga followed with 15.
Page took control of the game in the fifth set, notching four kills to extend the Bruins’ lead in crunch time.
“We’re most focused on getting together as a team and playing good all-around volleyball,” Page said on Tuesday. “It’s more focused on us this week than our opponents. We’re trying to improve little things before our season starts officially.”
The Bruins were looking for answers when they flew to Hawaii this week after unexpectedly dropping from being ranked No. 2 to No. 7 at the beginning of this week. Heading into regular season play next Friday, Coach John Speraw was looking to use the Outrigger Invitational to fine-tune the team’s issues.
“I still think that we’re at a point right now where we’re still working on individual fundamentals more than offensive and defensive systems,” Speraw said on Tuesday. “Because of that I think we have a little ways to go.”
UCLA men’s volleyball takes on Ohio State Friay at 4 p.m.
Compiled by Claire Fahy, Bruin Sports contributor.
