UCLA
Cal State Northridge
Bruins Fall in Three to Matadors in MPSF Opener
January 14, 2009 | Men's Volleyball
Jan. 14, 2009
Eighth-ranked UCLA fell to No.2 Cal State Northridge for the second time in less than a week Wednesday night in the MPSF opener for both teams.
Cal State Northridge won 30-18, 30-27, 30-22 in 85 minutes in front of 625 fans in Pauley Pavilion. The Matadors notched their fourth straight victory over the Bruins dating to last year and raised their record to 4-0, 1-0 in league play. The Bruins fell to 1-3, 0-1.
Passing problems continued for the Bruins. Although they were aced just four times by one of the league's top serving teams, the quality of their passes was not sufficient to sustain an effective attack. The Bruins hit just .148, including -0.03 in game one. The Matadors hit .357, led by All-American Eric Vance's 18 kills (.412).
Freshman Jack Polales made the most of his second start for UCLA and led the Bruins with 13 kills (.346), six digs, two total blocks and 15 points. Junior Garrett Muagututia added eight kills an ace and two total blocks for 10.5 points. Freshman Jamey Ker made his first career start at libero and recorded five digs. His brother Kevin started at setter added three digs and two block assists.
The Bruins will host UC Santa Barbara on Fri., Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. in Pauley Pavilion in the second conference match for both teams. The Gauchos lost 3-1 at home to UC Irvine on Wednesday.
