Point factors in UCLA v. UCSB men’s volleyball match
By Claire Fahy
April 19, 2014 7:06 p.m.
Men’s Volleyball – UCLA v. UC Santa Barbara: Three Things to Watch For
Tonight the No. 5-seeded Bruins face the No. 4-seeded Gauchos at Santa Barbara in the first round of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation playoffs. Take a look at a few keys for the Bruins to steal the win.
1. Sideout percentage: UCLA has struggled to find offensive and defensive balance throughout the season, but senior outside hitter Gonzalo Quiroga said the team is vastly improved in its sideout ability. In the team’s last match against UCSB (a loss), the team’s percentage was 62%, compared to 68% in their most recent game against conference champion BYU (a win).
2. Lineup: Speraw finally seems content with his starting string of players, but any last-minute adjustments could be game changers. The position of libero, which is crucial seeing as defense is a Bruin weakness, has seen four different players take the court this season. Lately, UCLA seems to have had success with freshman Jackson Bantle, formerly an outside hitter, at libero.
3. Serving: UCLA’s serving has been nothing but inconsistent all season, but the team served “lights out” against BYU, according to Speraw. Freshman middle blocker Mitch Stahl has been providing much needed dominance from the line. The Bruins should look to continue exploiting this “secret weapon” against the Gauchos.
Compiled by Claire Fahy, Bruin Sports contributor.
