UCLA
Concordia Challenge
Bruins Win Concordia Challenge in New York
November 18, 2002 | Men's Volleyball
Nov. 18, 2002
The UCLA's men's volleyball team concluded its fall season by winning the Concordia Challenge in Bronxville, NY over the weekend.
The Bruins defeated host Concordia, Lewis University and Rutgers-Newark at Concordia's Meyer Arena.
In the featured match of the tournament, UCLA beat Concordia, 100-79, in front of a sell-out crowd of 1,200. Prior to the match, Concordia presented UCLA Coach Al Scates with a thank-you gift, honoring him as one of the greatest coaches in NCAA history.
The Bruins raced to a 25-11 lead before the Clippers fought back and narrowed the margin to six points in the third period. Behind sophomore Jonathan Acosta's 13 kills, .409 hitting percentage, and seven total blocks, the Bruins pulled away in the final quarter. Junior Chris Pena added 11 kills on .562 hitting with five blocks, and newcomer Allan Vince added 12 kills and hit .421. Senior setter Rich Nelson spread 41 assists and added six blocks.
Overall, the Bruins out-hit Concordia .398 to .191 with a 15.5 to 10.0 blocking advantage.
On Saturday the UCLA defeated Lewis, 100-97. Vince led UCLA with 17 kills, seven digs and three blocks. Pena contributed 16 kills and Acosta added 15.
All-American Fabiano Barreto led Lewis with 17 kills and Gustavo Meyer added 12.
Against Rutgers-Newark Saturday night, the Bruins prevailed, 100-94. Junior J.T. Wenger led UCLA with 13 kills and 10 digs, and sophomore Kris Kraushaar added 12 kills.
The Bruins will continue to practice until Nov. 30 before they break camp until January. The 2003 regular season begins Jan. 10 at the UC Santa Barbara Tournament. The Bruins' first home match is scheduled for Jan. 15 in Pauley Pavilion against UC Santa Cruz.
