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Women's Volleyball
Opponent: Oregon State (4-15, 2-7)
When: 12:00 PM PT, Sunday, October 25, 2015
Where: Gill Coliseum, Corvallis, OR
Audio: None
Video: Oregon State Live Stream
Live Stats: Oregon State Live Stats
Official Match Preview | Match Notes
On Friday, the Bruins got the job done against the Ducks. It wasn't a dominating performance, nor was it a convincing victory. UCLA fell behind in each set and needed to mount three comebacks to earn a hard-fought win. It was a win, though, and in the final analysis, that's all that matters.
In principle, beating the Beavers (4-15, 2-7) should be an easier task. That said, OSU played much better than expected against #1 USC on Friday, so the Bruins can't replicate their slow start against the Ducks and expect good results. This is a potential trap game for UCLA, but if they recognize it for what it is, the Bruins should be able to move a full game ahead of Stanford in the conference standings.
Go BRUINS!
UCLA Women's Soccer
Opponent: Utah (5-8-3, 2-5-0)
When: 1:00 PM PT, Sunday, October 25, 2015
Where: Drake Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Audio: Bruin Live Audio
Video: Pac-12 Mountain
Live Stats: UCLA StatBroadcast
Official Match Preview | Match Notes
Good morning, Bruins! It's #gameday! Get out to Drake to watch #UCLA vs. #Utah at 1pm. #GoBruins #oscarmike pic.twitter.com/0H5wGv53Yf
— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) October 25, 2015
As I wrote on Friday, the Bruins need a sweep this weekend to have any realistic chance of sneaking into the NCAA tournament. UCLA completed the first half of that assignment on Friday with a 2-1 win over Colorado. Unfortunately, it wasn't the kind of win that inspires confidence that UCLA can make a late season run. The Bruins scored first, but conceded a late equalizer from a corner kick before being awarded a penalty kick that turned into the game-winning goal.
The star for the Bruins was goalie Siri Ervik. She made a couple of spectacular saves and may have earned the starting goalkeeper spot for the remainder of the season. On a negative note, the Bruins were outshot by Colorado, a team not noted for its firepower.
Today's opponent isn't noted for its offensive prowess either. The Utes (5-8-3, 2-5-0) haven't scored a goal in their last four contests, and are averaging less than a goal a game this season. At the same time, Utah is conceding an average of nearly a goal and a half per game, so the Bruins shouldn't have to commit a lot of players forward to find the back of the net.
This is a very winnable game for UCLA. If the Bruins can't beat this Utah team at Drake Stadium, then UCLA doesn't deserve a postseason berth. It's time for the Bruins to produce their best.
Go BRUINS!
Men's Water Polo
Opponent: #7 UC Irvine (11-6, 1-2)
When: 2:00 PM PT, Sunday, October 25, 2015
Where: Anteater Aquatics Complex, Irvine, CA
Audio: None
Video: None
Live Stats: None
Official Match Preview | MPSF Release
The Bruins are still undefeated, but #3 California gave UCLA a real scare yesterday. The Bruins sleepswam through the opening minutes of the first quarter, and when the alarm finally awoke them from their slumber, the Golden Bears held a three-goal lead.
The fact that the Bruins were able to regroup, claw their way back into the game, and edge a very strong Cal team at the end shows how good Coach Adam Wright's team is.
UCLA will have to get off to a better start against #7 UCI (11-6, 1-2) this afternoon. The Anteaters may not be one of the nation's elite teams, but they're close. Coach Wright will have to make sure his team is ready to go from the start, and maintains its focus and intensity for four quarters. With a big match against #4 Pacific next Sunday, and a huge showdown against #2 USC the following Sunday, the Bruins need to take care of business today.
Go BRUINS!
UCLA Men's Soccer
Opponent: California (6-5-2, 1-3-2)
When: 3:00 PM PT, Sunday, October 25, 2015
Where: Edwards Stadium, Berkeley, CA
Audio: None
Video: Pac-12 Networks
Live Stats: CalBears Live Stats
Official Match Preview | Match Notes
GAMEDAY! #UCLA finishes its road trip today against Cal at 3:00pm PT, live on the @Pac12Networks. #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/mgWfXFEevR
— UCLA Men's Soccer (@UCLAMSoccer) October 25, 2015
UCLA (7-6-1, 3-2-1) played marginally better in its rematch with Stanford on Friday. The Bruins defense allowed another two goals--roughly its season average--but the offense doubled its output from the previous encounter with the Cardinal, which allowed UCLA to claim a draw. The outcome kept the Bruins in second place--barely in front of third-place Washington and fourth-place Oregon State--but effectively ceded the conference title to Stanford.
If the Bruins intend to hold onto second place and possibly earn an NCAA tournament berth, they have to take care of business today against fifth-place Cal. Last Monday, the Bruins exploded for six goals against California, but earning a victory today will likely be more difficult. The Golden Bears are at home this time, and they're coming off a rare win as well as a performance that saw them net four goals. Yes, the victory came against the cellar-dwelling Aztecs, but considering that California hadn't scored in the previous three contests, the win will give the Golden Bears a boost of confidence.
Nevertheless, if UCLA can avoid the dreadful sloppiness in back that has all-too-often this season has turned wins into losses, the Bruins should be able to return home with a much-needed victory.
Go BRUINS!