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UCLA to Host UBC in Men's Volleyball Dec. 29
Dec. 28, 2004
The UCLA men's volleyball team will host the University of British Columbia Wed., Dec. 29 in a preseason match in Pauley Pavilion beginning at 7 p.m. Admission and parking (after 6 p.m.) are free.
The Bruins, who were undefeated in five matches during their Fall schedule, will be seeking their 19th NCAA title in 2005 under legendary Head Coach Al Scates. Scates begins his 43rd season with an overall record of 1,083-194 (.848).
The 2005 Bruins will feature 14 returning lettermen and four starters from a team that finished last year with a 24-6 record ranked third in the country.
UCLA's four seniors will provide plenty of firepower. Outside hitters Jonathan Acosta (3.6 kpg) and Kris Kraushaar (2.1kpg) will team with middle blockers Allan Vince (2.8 kpg, 0.7 bpg) and Paul Johnson (2.4 kpg, 1.1 bpg) to give the lineup plenty of experience. Sophomore Steve Klosterman also returns at the opposite position where he led UCLA last season in kills per game (3.9) and points per game (3.7).
UCLA also returns its top setter from last season in 6-2 junior Dennis Gonzalez, who is working his way back into the lineup after sitting out the Fall schedule. Redshirt freshman Julio "Gaby" Acevedo has guided the Bruins in their five previous wins and will start Wednesday night.
True freshman Tony Ker will start at the libero position, replacing four-year starter and three-time All-American Adam Shrader.
UCLA begins the 2005 regular season by participating in the annual Elephant Bar Classic hosted by UC Santa Barbara on Jan. 7-8. The Bruins' first home series is Wed., Jan. 12 vs. NAIA champion Cal Baptist and Sat., Jan. 15 vs. UC Irvine. Both matches begin at 7 p.m. in Pauley Pavilion.