Bruin Bites: UCLA Women’s Volleyball Upsets Oregon

Here’s today’s news from around UCLA Athletics.

Women’s Volleyball

The #20 UCLA Women’s Volleyball team went to Eugene last night in an unfamiliar role — as the underdog — when they faced the #16 Oregon Ducks. Not only were the Ducks ranked higher than the Bruins, but they entered the night tied for first in the Pac-12 Conference standings while UCLA was tied with Southern Cal for seventh place.

That’s why it was important for the Bruins to win last night’s match.

Well, it wasn’t easy. It took five sets, but UCLA finally managed to win a five-set match when they upset Oregon 26-28, 25-23, 25-20, 21-25, 15-9.

The Bruins were led by freshman Torrey Van Winden who recorded the first double-double of the season with 19 kills and 12 digs. Jordan Anderson and Jennie Frager added 17 kills and 12 kills, respectively.

Taylor Formico and Zana Muno led the team in digs. Formico had 29 last night while Muno had 23.

Here are the highlights from last night’s match, courtesy of UCLA Athletics’ YouTube account and the Pac-12 Networks.

Baseball Recruiting

While baseball recruiting isn’t always something you can count on because of the MLB Amateur Draft, it’s still worthy of a BOOM! when a player commits to the team.

Yesterday, Los Alamitos pitcher Michael Townsend committed to John Savage’s squad, according to an LA Times article by Eric Sondheimer.

Welcome to Westwood, Michael!

Swimming and Diving

The Swimming and Diving team opens up their schedule this weekend at the SMU Classic.

But, the team got a boost earlier this week when Monte Vista Danville sprinter Isabella Baratollo, who goes by Izzy, verball committed to the Bruins. BOOM!

Welcome to Westwood, Izzy!

UCLA Football

According to the Seattle Times, Washington State University President Kirk Schulz that Cougar linebacker Logan Tago will be suspended and not allowed to play because he was charged with second-degree felony robbery and fourth-degree misdemeanor assault on Monday.

Mike Leach responded by saying, “[I]f I have anything to do with it, he’ll play until proven guilty.”

That prompted WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos to issue a statement indicating that Tago will be allowed to practice but not play. In part, the statement said:

With a felony charge now having been filed, our department code of conduct policy dictates that, absent extraordinary circumstances, student-athletes are not permitted to represent WSU athletics in outside competition until such time as the case is resolved.

And, finally, the Daily News has an article which details how Pac-12 football gametimes are determined. In a companion article, they also look at how night football games affect Bruin fans.

Go Bruins!