UCLA volleyball to challenge BYU in MPSF semifinals

In February, when UCLA men’s volleyball traveled to play Brigham Young in Provo, Utah, the visiting Bruins came up empty-handed. They were crushed 3-0 in front of the Cougars’ loud and energetic home crowd.

This time around, the Bruins are hoping for a different story.

Tonight’s match will be a clash of the titans, when No. 4 UCLA takes on No. 1 Brigham Young in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation tournament semifinals.

Although BYU swept UCLA 3-0 in Provo, the Bruins were able to return the favor in Pauley Pavilion three weeks ago in the two teams’ second MPSF meeting. In tonight’s playoff match, the stakes are much higher and the winner will get the last laugh. Junior outside hitter Robart Page said he has been looking forward to this match and is confident in his team’s ability to win.

“If we can get a win at BYU it will be an incredible accomplishment for this team. We beat them once at home and I think we can do it,” Page said.

UCLA is on a four-game winning streak and has not dropped a set in three weeks. Although the Bruins have been able to breeze by their opponents, defeating the Cougars on their home court will prove to be a more difficult task.

The Bruins have played their last five games at home and are traveling for the first time in three weeks. However, coach John Speraw said he does not think the away games will be too much of an issue for his team, but he expects a tough match out of the top-ranked Cougars.

“It’s a challenge not so much because it’s a road trip, but because it’s a road trip at BYU,” Speraw said. “That’s home court for the Cougars, and we expect a big crowd and a tough environment.”

The Bruins are hoping to win their 11th game in 12 tries today, but they know they’ll have to earn their ticket to the MPSF finals.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the environment. There’s going to be a huge crowd there and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said junior middle blocker Spencer Rowe.