March 3, 2010
Men's Volleyball Highlights vs. Lewis
Three things will remain in place for third-ranked UCLA's next match against UC Irvine on Friday: the blue curtain, the tie and the Hall of Fame announcer.
The Bruins ended a curious and miserable streak on Wednesday with a sweep of No.15 Lewis in Pauley Pavilion. Whether or not the two-match skid ended because of the aforementioned "new traditions" is inconsequential. What is important is that they will not change.
First things first: the Bruins won 30-22, 30-27, 30-25 in 85 minutes in front of 291 fans. They raised their overall record to 10-8, and Lewis, previously unbeaten on the road, fell to 10-4.
Head coach Al Scates wore a tie in Wednesday's match, something he's not prone to do unless he feels it's necessary. When his team inexplicably lost six consecutive sets last week, serious attire became necessary.
In addition, Scates ordered the blue curtain dropped on the west end of the court to improve depth perception and mimic the Bruins' practice court in the Student Activities Center. Curiously, UCLA committed 21 service errors, seven in Game 2 while serving into the curtain.
Finally, UCLA Hall of Famer and volleyball legend Sinjin Smith stepped in and worked the public address for the first time this season. He was rehired for Friday's match.
As they say, traditions are important at UCLA, especially the new ones.
The Bruin sophomores carried them in Wednesday's victory. Jack Polales led both teams with 18 kills (.556) and 21.0 points. Thomas Amberg connected on eight kills (.571) and added nine total blocks for 13.0 points. Weston Dunlap came off the bench and slapped down seven kills (1.000). And Kyle Caldwell recorded a career-best 48 assists (.615) and added three kills (.500), an ace and one solo block for five points.
Nathan Klaas led Lewis with 10 kills but was held to an attack percentage of .045.
On Friday, Mar. 5, the Bruins will meet No. 12 UC Irvine, which lost on Wednesday in four games at UC Santa Barbara. In a pre-match ceremony, UCLA will honor retiring women's head coach Andy Banachowski.