Jan. 4, 2000

LOS ANGELES - Seniors Evan Thatcher and Ed Ratledge combined for 38 kills in a 3-2 victory over the University of Alberta Dec. 30 as UCLA won the Racanor Thunderball Tournament, hosted by the University of British Columbia.

All teams played five-game matches with a 25-point cap. The tournament winner was determined by the number of games won. The Bruins won all four of their matches against Canada's best collegiate teams.

UCLA defeated Alberta, 26-24, 25-15, 17-25, 22-25, 15-10. Thatcher spiked 20 kills and dug 13 balls and Ratledge hammered 18 kills as the Bruins held Alberta to a .221 hitting percentage. Senior Matt Davis recorded a match-high 17 digs in his first appearance at the libero position. Junior Mark Williams added 14 kills and senior Seth Burnham recorded nine blocks.

UCLA begins regular season play Fri., Jan. 7 against Long Beach State at the Wyndham Gardens West Coast Challenge, hosted by UC Irvine.