UCLA
UC Irvine
Bruins Defeat Anteaters in Four Games
March 17, 2004 | Men's Volleyball
March 17, 2004
The third-ranked UCLA men's volleyball team defeated No.12 UC Irvine in four games Wednesday night in Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins won 27-30, 30-27, 30-23, 30-28 in two hours before 501 fans. The victory raised UCLA's overall record to 18-4, 12-4 in league play. UCI fell to 8-15, 4-12.
The Bruins overcame deficits in every game they won, including a six-point disadvantage in Game 3. With the Anteaters leading 19-13, the Bruins tied the game at 21-21. Senior Chris Pena led the comeback for the Bruins by serving six straight points and igniting a 17-4 run.
Seniors J.T. Wenger and Pena combined for 35 kills to lead the Bruins. Wenger smacked 18 and added eight digs, an ace and one solo block, while Pena contributed 17 kills (.500), two aces and three block assists. Junior Paul Johnson added 14 kills (.444), two aces and four block assists. Senior libero Adam Shrader made 13 digs and setter Dennis Gonzalez added 51 assists.
All-American Jimmy Pelzel led UCI with 17 kills (.303), followed by Matt Webber's 16 and David Smith's 12.
The Bruins' next home match is Tues., Mar. 30 vs. USC at 7 p.m. in Pauley Pavilion.
