Weekend Predictions: April 18-20
By Chris Kalra
April 18, 2014 1:12 a.m.
Every Friday The Bruin’s Sports section will predict the outcome of the weekend’s top three UCLA sporting events.
Gymnastics: NCAA championships
Friday through Sunday
UCLA will struggle this weekend, losing sophomore Sophina DeJesus’ typical 9.9 on beam and possibly on bars because of an ankle injury. Freshman Jennifer Pinches and sophomore Danusia Francis also missed practice time this week due to illness, and though they are expected to compete, having three of the team’s staples battle injury and illness doesn’t bode well for the Bruins. Don’t expect UCLA to make it out of the NCAA semifinals round Friday.
Men’s volleyball: No. 4 seed UCSB v. No. 5 seed UCLA (MPSF tournament)
Saturday, 7 p.m.
After a 2-7 stretch, UCLA has bounced back with three straight wins behind its new lineup. Senior Spencer Rowe has switched over to opposite hitter, freshman Mitch Stahl has been inserted into the starting lineup at middle blocker and freshman Jackson Bantle is now playing libero. With this lineup gelling, expect the Bruins to steal a win in Santa Barbara this weekend.
Men’s tennis: No. 3 USC v. No. 5 UCLA
Friday, 10:30 a.m.
Given UCLA’s strong play in its most recent match against USC – a 5-2 win in February – as well as the team’s top-notch form of late, expect the Bruins to knock off the Trojans at their home court. Watch out for junior Marcos Giron’s likely matchup against Yannick Hanfmann – this just might decide the match. Freshman Gage Brymer’s singles match should also prove pivotal in the outcome.
2014 prediction record to date: 4-8
