Jan. 3, 2013

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Sixth-ranked UCLA will meet No. 13 UC Santa Barbara Friday morning in the opening match of the 2013 men's volleyball season at the 49th Annual UCSB Asics Invitational. The Bruins and Gauchos will battle at 10 a.m. in Robertson Gym.

New coach John Speraw will guide a team of nine returning lettermen and two returning starters in his first season at his alma mater. Speraw served 10 seasons at UC Irvine and won three NCAA titles, including the 2012 crown.

Despite a 3-0 setback to visiting Alberta on Wednesday night, the Bruins won five of seven preseason matches in the Fall, including victories against USC, Cal State Northridge and UCSB at the SAC Tournament on campus. Entering the regular season, they own a 118-32 series advantage against UCSB.

Depending on their result, the Bruins will meet either Lewis or UC San Diego in their second round match, also on Friday beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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