News Summary
The UCLA Bruins men’s volleyball team is gearing up for their upcoming match against Vanguard, aiming to extend their winning streak and solidify their position as MPSF regular-season champions. With a current record of 12-3 and recent victories over Stanford, the Bruins are confident entering this game. Key players, including Cameron Thorne and Cooper Robinson, have shown impressive performances, raising expectations for the match. Fans are excited to support their team at the Freed Center as UCLA looks to maintain its dominance in the conference.
UCLA Bruins Men’s Volleyball Gears Up for MPSF Showdown Against Vanguard
Los Angeles, CA – The excitement is palpable as the UCLA Bruins men’s volleyball team sets its sights on extending its impressive three-year contract as the MPSF regular-season conference champions. With a current record of 12 wins and 3 losses (12-3, 2-0 MPSF), the Bruins are confident as they prepare for their upcoming match against Vanguard, a challenger who holds a record of 6-9 overall and 1-3 in MPSF.
Game Time at the Freed Center
This thrilling encounter is scheduled for Thursday at the Freed Center for Leadership and Service. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, eager to cheer on their team as they face off against Vanguard. This matchup promises to be an exciting one, especially with UCLA having just faced the formidable Stanford team and emerging victorious.
Victorious Matches Against Stanford
UCLA recently kicked off its MPSF play on a high note, defeating the No. 10 Stanford team in a stunning display of skill and teamwork. The Bruins took Stanford down in two matches, raising the bar by only giving up one set across both contests. It was a display of dominance that sets the tone for their upcoming games.
Key players were on fire, with junior middle blocker Cameron Thorne showcasing a powerful performance, averaging 4.27 blocks per game. In fact, he tied his season-high by blocking a remarkable seven shots during the Stanford matches. His contributions were crucial in establishing UCLA’s commanding presence on the court.
Redshirt junior outside hitter Cooper Robinson shined brightly in the matches as well, earning the prestigious title of AVCA Player of the Week after matching Thorne’s achievement with his own seven blocks. The team’s defensive strategy stood out significantly, illustrated by holding Stanford to an astonishingly low hitting percentage of 0.076.
A Strong Comeback
Adding to the excitement was the return of junior setter Andrew Rowan, who missed the initial match against Stanford due to illness but made a crucial comeback in the second match. He ranks 20th in the nation for assists per set, further establishing UCLA’s fourth-best national ranking in hitting percentage sitting at 0.365.
Keeping an Eye on Improvement
While the Bruins have made impressive strides, Coach John Hawks notes that there’s still work to be done, particularly on their service line. Despite leading the nation in aces per set, their total errors have surpassed those of their opponents by a staggering 60. One bright spot was junior outside hitter Zach Rama, who found his rhythm and notched three aces against Stanford.
Facing a New Challenge Ahead
As UCLA prepares for Vanguard, it will be facing a team that is new to the MPSF after previously being in NAIA. Vanguard’s squad is led by setter Grant Dvorak and outside hitter Logan Freemon, who collectively have tallied an impressive 269 kills this season. Dvorak is currently ranked 10th in the MPSF for kills per set, boasting 3.07 kills, while setter Brock Henderson has provided substantial support with leading assists totals for Vanguard.
Looking Forward to the Rematch
After the match against Vanguard, the Bruins will return to Pauley Pavilion for a much-anticipated rematch on Saturday. It will provide UCLA a valuable opportunity to solidify their dominance in the conference as they aim for a four-year streak as MPSF champions.
As the Bruins embark on this next chapter of their season, the fans are sure to rally together, showcasing their remarkable school spirit and support. The thrill of college volleyball is alive and well in Los Angeles!
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Additional Resources
- UCLA Bruins News: No. 2 UCLA Men’s Volleyball Breezes Past Vanguard
- Google Search: UCLA Men’s Volleyball
- Daily Bruin: UCLA Men’s Volleyball to Play 2 Matches Against Vanguard
- Wikipedia: UCLA Bruins Volleyball
- UCLA Bruins News: No. 2 UCLA Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Vanguard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Men’s Volleyball
- Daily Bruin: Miles Partain Returns to UCLA Men’s Volleyball
- Google News: UCLA Men’s Volleyball Latest News
