The Trinity Western men’s volleyball team put together a dominant performance against AVCA No. 2-ranked UCLA, beating the Bruins 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-15) to give the Spartans their second straight win at the Can Am Volleyball Holiday Showcase Sunday at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre.
Coming off a five-set win over two-time defending NCAA champion Long Beach State, the Spartans started strong against the Bruins, winning the first set by five points and rolled from there.
With Eric Loeppky (Steinbach, Man.) putting on a show from the baseline and, amongst others, Jackson Howe (Calgary) bringing people out of their seats from the middle, the Spartans were full value for a victory that marks the second time in as many nights that TWU beat a team ranked in the AVCA preseason rankings, with the Beach ranked No. 4.
The Spartans will now prepare for their final game of the tournament against No. 6-ranked Lewis University Tuesday at 2 p.m. (ET).
QUOTABLE
Ben Ball – TWU Assistant Coach
“I honestly think our guys did an amazing job of increasing execution in all areas. They were super intentional in paying attention to the details pre-serve and they were front-loading their comments to prepare for each point. I think that narrowed their focus very well and kept them engaged in the game in a very positive way.
“It was really exciting to play UCLA. That’s an amazing program and it has been for a long program. It was sweet to have the opportunity to play a team like that. Before the games, our guys were really excited to test themselves and see what they could do.
“After last night’s game and feeling like it was a bit sloppy, for us to respond like this is a huge confidence boost for us and a reminder that, yes, we are good at volleyball and let’s just enjoy it.”
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES EST)
Sat. Dec. 28
2 p.m. – Lewis (3) Ryerson (0)
4:30 p.m. – Alberta (3) Ohio State (2)
7 p.m. – Trinity Western (3) Long Beach State (2)
Sun. Dec. 29
2 p.m. – Ryerson (3) UCLA (1)
4:30 p.m. – Ohio State (3) McMaster (1)
7 p.m. – Trinity Western (3) UCLA (0)
Mon. Dec. 30
2 p.m. – Ohio State vs. Ryerson Rams
4:30 p.m. – Lewis vs. McMaster Marauders
7 p.m. – Long Beach State vs. Alberta Golden Bears
Tues., Dec. 31
11:30 a.m. – Long Beach State vs. McMaster Marauders
2 p.m. – Lewis vs. Trinity Western Spartans
4:30 p.m. – UCLA vs. Alberta Golden Bears
