Roundup From BN Walk: News & Notes

by Nestor on May 20, 2008 4:35 AM PDT in News Comment 97 comments

We will start our walk with the women’s tennis team serving for a championship. dproduct has all the details on our #7 ranked ladies going up against California Bears (#8) for title number 102.

Meanwhile, the men’s team came up just short, falling against the Longhorns in the Final-4. The Daily Bruin has the wrap on a spectacular season that ‘exceeded all expectations’:

The No. 3 UCLA men’s tennis team was finally grounded after a season that exceeded all expectations.

The Bruins (25-2) were ousted by seventh-seeded Texas in the semifinals on Monday evening by a 4-2 score.
"We’ve had a great season," UCLA coach Billy Martin said. "I can’t say I thought we played badly. We fought really hard today and lost to a really good team."

A controversial call on doubles court No. 2 decided the opening point of the match. UCLA’s Holden Seguso hit a crosscourt shot that appeared to land several inches within the sideline.

Read rest of the story here. Once again congrats to our men’s team. We have no doubt they will come right back next season and contend for the top prize again. So no shame there.

Moving on over to the football front, Neuheisel made a pretty interesting personnel move yesterday by bringing in Darren Witcher as Director of Football Operations:

Witcher, 47, a longtime high school assistant football coach in the state of Washington, has worked in the Seattle area for over 18 years as a project manager for aerospace giant Boeing. A former student-athlete at the University of Washington, Witcher has kept his love of football alive the last 17 years while serving as an assistant coach at Seattle area high schools (Franklin, Garfield and Rainier Beach).

Witcher coached the last nine years at Rainier Beach High School and has also headed up the school's National Football Foundation-sponsored "Play It Smart" program. "Play It Smart" seeks to transform the student-athlete's passion for their sport and dedication to their team into a force for greater good in their lives through a combination of academic assistance, mentoring and community service. In 2003 and 2004, one of the other coaches on the Rainier Beach staff was a volunteer coach named Rick Neuheisel.

Witcher played defensive back at the University of Washington for coach Don James during the 1979-82 seasons. The Huskies posted an overall record of 39-9 and appeared in four straight bowls in that stretch, including the 1981 and 1982 Rose Bowl games. His career ended during his senior season due to a knee injury.

If you can’t remember - Rainier Beach High School – was the same school where CRN worked as an unpaid volunteer assistant coach following the march madness pool related BS that ended his tenure as the Washington head coach. Kurt Streeter back in January wrote a pretty moving article on Neuheisel’s experiences at Rainier. This move of bringing in Witcher in not only closes that emotional loop, but more importantly it also sends the signal that Neuheisel plans to recruit very aggressively in Washington. So it will be interesting to see what kind of immediate or long term dividends this move pays off on the recruiting trail.

Speaking of recruiting Gary Parrish from Sportsline.com reaffirmed what we already knew: Coach Howland has the number 1 class in America coming in next season (HT BruinInDenver). However, what’s interesting is that Parrish is already counting Morgan as a Bruin. He may know something we don’t know yet officially. But as we have said all along we will wait for the official word before doing any kind of celebrating.

Meanwhile as Morgan-UCLA talks continue to bubble, Stepheson-UCLA discussion is just hearing up. Dohn has this on the connections between Stepheson and UCLA coach Scott Garson:

UCLA assistant coach Scott Garson is a Harvard-Westlake product, and like Stepheson, played for Harvard-Westlake coach Greg Hilliard.

Also from Dohn apparently Stepheson will be on UCLA campus this week:

UCLA has been in contact with North Carolina transfer Alex Stepheson and his family, and I am told he will be on campus this week to meet with the coaching staff and get a tour. However, I am also told it could be a few weeks before a decision is made.

Again we will see how it all plays out. As always the motto here is trust in Howland. BTW before moving on from Ben Ball couple of more quick notes: Stanback hasn’t decided to where to transfer yet and Malcolm Thomas (a forward from Pepperdine whose name came up on our radar few weeks earlier) has decided to transfer to San Diego State. We wish both of those kids luck.

Lastly, we will end the walk with a trip to the diamonds. The baseball team is heading out to Fullerton for a huge non conference game today:

Looking to build on the success from its sweep of the Washington State Cougars over the weekend, UCLA will go on the road and take on No. 8 Cal State Fullerton today in the Bruins’ final nonconference game of the season.

After the sweep, the Bruins (29-23, 11-10 Pac-10) can improve their chances of making the playoffs tremendously with a win over the nationally ranked Titans (35-17, 15-6 Big West). With only one weekend series left against Pac-10 rival California, UCLA will have to capitalize on this opportunity to gain ground in the RPI in hopes of making the postseason tournament. However, Cal State Fullerton will likely provide a difficult challenge.

"Fullerton’s a good team, and they’ve gotten the best of us the last four times we’ve played them," senior catcher Brent Dean said. "I think we’re ready. I think if we just go out there and stick with our plan and have our guys come out and play aggressive like they have been, I think we’ll put up a better game than last time."

UCLA lost to Fullerton earlier in the season on March 4, 7-1. Despite this loss, the Bruins will look to turn things around this time, as UCLA’s Matt Grace (0-0, 3.24 ERA) will take the mound against Kevin Rath (1-0, 6.14 ERA).

The Bruins will attempt to build off the momentum from their wins over Washington State. The players have begun to gel and play better together as of late, and Dean and fellow senior Alden Carrithers will look to continue their strong play. Carrithers in particular has played well this season, batting .378 this season with a .541 slugging percentage.

A win against the Titans will be absolutely huge for our post-season prospects. As jlegs noted citing Baseball America Bruins will probably get into the playoffs if they finish the season 2-2. And a win against a team like the Titans will not only improve their stock, but it will give them enormous confidence heading into the crucial road trip to Berkeley this weekend. Let’s hope they can pull off a win against a Titans today. It’s about time we win one against those guys.

GO BRUINS.

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Recruiting Rankings

This was interesting:

Billy Donovan signed another great class even if there isn’t an obvious star in the bunch. Of course, that shouldn’t worry Donovan too much. Who among us thought Al Horford and/or Joakim Noah would be stars coming out of high school? (Note: Horford was rated two spots behind Sasha Kaun and Noah was rated two spots behind Lorenzo Mata).

by ranelar on May 20, 2008 9:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And the Women's Tennis Championship is under way

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 12:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

UCLA gets ahead two breaks in doubles #3

while doubles #1 and doubles #2 are on serve.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 12:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great tracker

Updates every few seconds

http://tulsahurricane.cstv.com/livestats/m-tennis/TulsaTennis.html

by BruinInDenver on May 20, 2008 12:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I lied

I’m going to update scores on women’s tennis here instead of the other thread.

Doubles 1: Cal 4-5 (UCLA serving)
Doubles 2: Cal 6-3 (UCLA serving)
Doubles 3: UCLA 4-3 (UCLA serving)

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 12:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

An interesting note

when Cal beat UCLA in Westwood, the Bruins won the doubles point. When UCLA beat Cal in Berkeley, the Bears won the double point.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 12:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Doubles #1 will likely decide the doubles point

The Bears are in command in doubles #2 and the Bruins are leading in doubles #3. Singles #1 is tied 5-5 so it is still either team’s match.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 12:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And our doubles #1 team is ranked 1st in the country

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So are there......

3 doubles matches and 6 singles matches total? Just wondering why there are blanks under the actual scores…

by BruinInDenver on May 20, 2008 1:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

3 doubles matches and the school that wins two of them gets 1 point. Then there are 6 singles, each worth a point. First to 4 points wins.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cal wins doubles #2, 8-4

UCLA is ahead at doubles #3 and doubles #1 is on serve.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 1:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bruins get the break at doubles #1

Tracy Lin will now serve the match and with UCLA’s doubles #3 leading, it would put the Bruins is good shape to win the doubles point.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 1:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

UCLA is broken back at doubles #1

and are tied at 7-7.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 1:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

UCLA's doubles #1 will serve for the match again

After losing a game on their serve that would have won the match, UCLA broke back at doubles #1 and now Riza Zalameda will serve for the match.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the updates

now, come on Riza.

by popopapa on May 20, 2008 1:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Doubles #1 wins 9-7

Zalameda holds serve and the Bruins get the win at doubles #1. Zalameda and Lin actually trailed 3-0 early on, but battled back.

Now doubles #3 is serving for their match and the doubles point.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 1:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

UCLA wins the doubles point and leads 1-0 now

Here were the results:

Doubles #1: UCLA 9-7
Doubles #2: Cal 8-4
Doubles #3: UCLA 8-6

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 1:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great start

That doubles point always seems to be huge. Just look at the men yesterday—they might have pulled it out if it weren’t for that.

by gilbert on May 20, 2008 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ESPN

They keep talking about the wrap on Tracy Lin’s leg. From what I heard there is actually nothing wrong with her and its just for precautionary measures.

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 1:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Singles are underway and the Bruins are off to a good start

The Bruins are up a break in 3 of the 6 singles matches and the other 3 matches are on serve.

Court 1: Tied 3-3 (Cal serving)
Court 2: Tied 2-2 (UCLA serving)
Court 3: Cal 3-2 (UCLA serving)
Court 4: UCLA 3-2 (UCLA serving)
Court 5: UCLA 3-2 (UCLA serving)
Court 6: UCLA 3-2 (UCLA serving)

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 2:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I have to go

if anyone else can post the updates that’d be great. GO BRUINS!

by Ryan Rosenblatt on May 20, 2008 2:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

UCLA on the left, CAL on the right

Court 1: 3-4
Court 2: 2-4
Court 3: 3-3
Court 4: 4-4
Court 5: 5-2
Court 6: 4-3

by BruinInDenver on May 20, 2008 2:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

UCLA on the left, CAL on the right

Court 1: 3-5
Court 2: 2-4
Court 3: 3-4
Court 4: 4-4
Court 5: 5-2
Court 6: 4-4

by BruinInDenver on May 20, 2008 2:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

UCLA on the left, CAL on the right

Court 1: 3-6 Cal wins set
Court 2: 2-4
Court 3: 3-4
Court 4: 5-5
Court 5: 6-2 UCLA wins set
Court 6: 5-4

by BruinInDenver on May 20, 2008 2:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Update

Court 1: CAL 6-3
Court 2: CAL 4-2
Court 3: CAL 5-3
Court 4: TIED 5-5
Court 5: UCLA 6-2
Court 6: UCLA 6-4

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 2:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't update any more.....

But this link is great

http://tulsahurricane.cstv.com/livestats/m-tennis/TulsaTennis.html

by BruinInDenver on May 20, 2008 2:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I got you dont worry

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

update

Court 1: CAL 6-3, 2-1 (on serve)
Court 2: CAL 5-4
Court 3: CAL 6-4
Court 4: TIED 6-6 (2-2 tiebreak)
Court 5: UCLA 6-2, 2-2
Court 6: UCLA 6-4, 1-1

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 2:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Court 1

UCLA is down a break on court 1

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

update

Court 1: CAL 6-3, 2-2 (Zalameda called the trainer out to look at her thigh…the announcers said she might be bluffing just a bit to get a break)
Court 2: Tied 5-5
Court 3: CAL 6-4, 0-2 (ucla up a break)
Court 4: UCLA 7-6(5),
Court 5: UCLA 6-2, 4-2 (ucla up a break)
Court 6: UCLA 6-4, 3-1 (ucla up a break)

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Court four

woooot! Looking good so far everywhere!

by BruinInDenver on May 20, 2008 3:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Singles 2

Has been intense so far. What a matchup.

by dproduct on May 20, 2008 3:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ya

Tracy was down early and fought back just like yesterday. Big win in the tiebreak by the freshman Remynse in singles #4.

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tracy is going to need this break now.

Hopefully she can pull through.

by dproduct on May 20, 2008 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Court 1

Zalameda has come back with new fire and is up a break point 4-2 in the second set.

by dproduct on May 20, 2008 3:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

Triple match point on Court 6…fighting blisters

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And just like that, UCLA up 2-0

McGoodwin took care of business 6-4, 6-1.

by dproduct on May 20, 2008 3:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

UCLA up 2-0

McGoodwin takes the win on court 6 6-4, 6-1

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

2-0!

2 more to 102!!!

by BruinInDenver on May 20, 2008 3:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lumpkin missed opportunity to take 3-0 Lead.

by dproduct on May 20, 2008 3:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Court 1

Zalameda up 5-2 in the second set. She is battling back hard.

by dproduct on May 20, 2008 3:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Court 2

Lin ties it up in a big break point at 6-6 to go to the tiebreak.

by dproduct on May 20, 2008 3:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Match point

Lumpkin has match point on court 5

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

wow

overruling on the serve brings it back to duece. They’ve been fighting all day on calls

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Update

Tracy Lin is down 2-5 in the first set tiebreak on court 2…...Schnack is up 3-1 in the 2nd set…..Remynse is up 1-0 in the 2nd set

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Riza

takes the 2nd set 6-3

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lin drops tiebreak 6-4

Loses first set 7-6

by dproduct on May 20, 2008 3:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Court 5

Lumpkin has lost a few match points and is now tied 5-5 in the second set.

by dproduct on May 20, 2008 3:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lumpkin

From up 5-2 with a match point to down 6-5….she need to calm down and not get too overworked

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Court 4

Schnack storms back and takes the 2nd set 6-1…....Remynse up 4-0 in the 2nd set

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Make that 5-0

Lumpkin loses the second as well.

by jaffa on May 20, 2008 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Man....

I was hoping they’d close it out before I have to leave work. Thank you all for the updates!!!!

by BruinInDenver on May 20, 2008 3:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It never works out the way

I’m confident about their chances, but this might take a while.

by gilbert on May 20, 2008 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like

we are going to have to take a win in the 3rd set on either court 1,3,5.

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lumpkin looks like she's in big trouble

When the umpire correctly overruled her out call on the serve for match point, everything changed.

It’s nervous time, but I think we can do this.

by insomniacslounge on May 20, 2008 3:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I know W. Tennis doesn't have a big budget

But I’m surprised that players make their own line calls in a championship event.

by insomniacslounge on May 20, 2008 3:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Singles

The site hasn’t updated in a while. Anyone know what’s going on?

by SuperBruinMan on May 20, 2008 3:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Update

Court 4 the cal player is bleeding…they get up to a 15 min break to stop the bleeding.
Court 2 2-2 in thr second set after Cal won the first
Court 1 UCLA up 2-1 (up a break)

by lil eg not cs on May 20, 2008 3:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

bleeding?

both literally and figuratively I imagine

by TheTJCummingsEra on May 20, 2008 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like Court 4 has started again

by SuperBruinMan on May 20, 2008 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zalameda up a break in the 3rd set

2-1 and she’ll be serving. If she can pull this out, the championship should belong to UCLA. (I’ve written off Lumpkin as a loss, but hopefully she’ll prove me wrong)

by insomniacslounge on May 20, 2008 3:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs