UCLA men’s volleyball works to overcome competition cancellation, setter setbacks

The stage was set, and the games were about to commence.

Then COVID-19 forced a pause for the third season in a row.

No. 2 UCLA men’s volleyball (1-0) was slated to open its season at the UC Santa Barbara Asics Invitational on Jan. 6 before over half the team entered COVID-19 protocols, according to redshirt junior opposite Kevin Kobrine.

As a result, the Bruins’ season opener was postponed by over a week, marking the third straight year in which UCLA had its season directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the cancellation, coach John Speraw said on Jan. 12 that the lack of healthy players hindered the team’s preseason preparations.

“We’ve just tried to get our team back and healthy and get more players available,” Speraw said. “It’s been a challenge, and it has been for a lot of teams this season – just to have enough guys to run a full practice and work on some of the systems that we needed to implement prior to the start of the year.”

The challenge to implement his team’s offensive system was further complicated with a new setter for the third straight season in a row, according to Speraw.

“There’s always time required to connect offensively,” Speraw said. “We’ll just have to go day by day and match by match to continue to refine our offense and connections.”

With redshirt sophomore Marcus Partain, sophomore Miles Partain and junior Ayrton Garcia-Jurado all officially listed as setters on the team’s roster, the Bruins have a multitude of options at the position.

Despite the early season cancellations and turnover at setter, UCLA swept Princeton in its season opener Jan. 15. However, Speraw said the team’s efficiency – while expected – had much room for improvement.

After the victory, Kobrine felt he did not live up to expectations and added that the in-match experience from the UCSB tournament would have been beneficial.

“Honestly, I thought that was one of my worst games,” Kobrine said.

Nonetheless, Kobrine finished the match with a team-high 11 kills to go with a .375 hitting percentage.

Playing in his first collegiate match since before the COVID-19 pandemic, redshirt senior middle blocker J.R. Norris IV committed two service errors – including one on his first serve of the contest – but recorded a career-high six kills and four block assists. Norris said his return to the court didn’t come without some early struggles.

“I was a little nervous on the first set, even on my first serve,” Norris said. “When I tossed it up, I’ll be honest, I lost it and just swung for the fences.”

Despite the COVID-19-related hiatus, Speraw said the team is looking to make the most of its opportunities.

“Obviously, when you’re playing your first match, you’re just a little nervous; you’re just a little rusty,” Speraw said. “I thought we went out and played pretty steady volleyball for this time of year.”