Top-ranked team hopes to repeat last Long Beach win

By Hannah Gordon
Daily Bruin Reporter

Embarrassed in its own house last Saturday, Long Beach State has
something to prove tonight. The No. 13 49ers will have to bring it
against top-ranked UCLA, who swept them 3-0 just five days ago.

“We expect them to play us harder,” UCLA head coach
Al Scates said. “We played real well. We had to because Long
Beach stepped it up too.”

The change of venue won’t help LBSU, especially when
UCLA’s home, Pauley Pavilion, is the Sistine Chapel of
college basketball and home to 18 NCAA men’s volleyball
titles.

“Long Beach will definitely be up for the game, especially
because we beat them on their home court,” junior Rich Nelson
said. “But a lot of teams aren’t used to playing in a
place as big as Pauley Pavilion. Pauley itself gives (us) an
advantage because of all the tradition.”

Last season, after the Bruins beat the 49ers at Long Beach 3-1,
the Pauley magic did not keep the 49ers from beating UCLA at home
3-2.

And although the Bruins are certainly favored, they will have to
battle injuries. Freshman Jonathan Acosta, the Outrigger
Invitational MVP, re-injured a stomach pull and is unlikely to
play.

Senior Matt Komer is also suffering from a shoulder injury but
will play. Junior Scott Morrow has a hand injury as well. Komer had
12 kills against Long Beach (.476) and a season high 4 aces.

At No. 1, UCLA (7-0, 2-0 MPSF) has everything to lose and Long
Beach everything to gain, a point not lost on the team.

“With the whole rally system, any given night the best
team can be off serving-wise and lose,” Nelson said.

Though LBSU (3-6, 1-2) lost several All-American seniors and has
gotten off to a slow start, Scates still sees the team as
experienced and cohesive.

“Long Beach has a real veteran squad,” Scates
said.

The match will be broadcast on uclabruins.com. UCLA recreation
card holders will receive free admission for four.