News Summary

The UCLA men’s volleyball team, currently ranked No. 2 nationally with a record of 12-3, is set to face the Vanguard Lions in crucial matches this Thursday and Saturday. The Bruins aim to continue their title defense after a solid start in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). With standout players and a robust defense, UCLA is focused on sweeping their upcoming matches to maintain momentum as they head towards the conference tournament.

UCLA Men’s Volleyball Gears Up for Vanguard in Title Defense

Los Angeles is buzzing with excitement as the UCLA men’s volleyball team goes head-to-head with the Vanguard Lions this Thursday at the Freed Center for Leadership and Service. The Bruins, ranked No. 2 nationally with an impressive record of 12-3 and a formidable 2-0 start in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) play, are on a mission to keep their title streak alive.

The upcoming matches against Vanguard promise to be thrilling, with the first showdown set for Thursday and a rematch slated for Saturday at the iconic Pauley Pavilion. Although the Lions have a record of 6-9 and 1-3 in MPSF play, the Bruins are well aware that every match counts, especially as they seek to extend their reign as conference champions.

Dominating the Competition

UCLA kicked off their MPSF season in style, demonstrating sheer dominance over then-No. 10 Stanford, where they emerged victorious in both matches, allowing the Cardinal to win just one set in total. The Bruins managed to fight off substantial deficits, showcasing their tenacity by overcoming deficits of three and five points during the second match.

Listening in on team discussions, one can sense the determination to not just win, but to do so efficiently. There’s a growing goal of “sweeping more teams” to conserve energy as they head towards more competitive matches down the road. This strategy could be crucial as the season progresses.

Defensive Powerhouses

The Bruins have been exceptional defensively this season, especially highlighted by junior middle blocker Cameron Thorne. With an impressive average of 4.27 blocks per game and 1.164 blocks per set, he ranks fourth in the nation—a feat that showcases the team’s robust defense. Senior redshirt junior outside hitter, Cooper Robinson, has also been a standout player, recently setting a personal best with seven blocks and earning AVCA Player of the Week honors.

UCLA’s defense proved to be formidable against Stanford as they managed to limit the Cardinal’s hitting to a dismal .076 in their most recent match, including a staggering -0.304 hitting percentage in the second set. With strategies and teamwork clicking, the Bruin’s confidence is undeniable.

All About Teamwork

Adding to the Bruin’s strength is junior setter Andrew Rowan, who has returned from an illness. His presence is vital, especially with the upcoming conference tournament in April. Rowan stands out nationally, ranking 20th in assists per set with an average of 9.56. His ability to set up plays effectively will be something to watch out for as the team heads into this crucial phase of the season.

Moreover, the Bruins rank fourth in the entire country for hitting percentage at .365, showcasing their offensive prowess. Their serving skills have also been top-notch, sitting fifth in the nation for aces per set with a total of 107 aces this season, although they have committed 60 more service errors than their opponents.

Newcomers in MPSF

On the other side of the net, Vanguard men’s volleyball recently made the leap to the MPSF after spending four years in the NAIA. The Lions’ roster features talented players, such as setter Grant Dvorak and outside hitter/opposite Logan Freemon, who have already combined for 269 kills this season. Dvorak stands out in the MPSF rankings, sitting 10th for kills per set with an average of 3.07, making him a key player to watch in this matchup.

With the Bruins eyeing a return to the MPSF tournament, where they were runners-up last year after a nail-biting 3-2 defeat against GCU, this week’s games against Vanguard will be pivotal in shaping their path forward. Coach John Hawks emphasizes patience and trust within the team to maintain their strong performances.

As Thursday approaches, the excitement is palpable both on and off the court. Fans can’t wait to cheer on the Bruins in what promises to be an action-packed couple of matches. Will UCLA continue their quest for another MPSF title? Only time will tell!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

UCLA Men’s Volleyball Aims for MPSF Title Streak Against Vanguard
UCLA Bruins Men’s Volleyball Prepares for Vanguard Matchup

UCLA Men’s Volleyball Prepares for Vanguard Showdown