Jan. 4, 2002

The 2002 UCLA men's volleyball season begins Saturday, Jan. 5 with the annual Alumni match, scheduled for 7 p.m. in Pauley Pavilion. Admission is free.

Head Coach Al Scates welcomes back seven lettermen and four starters from last year's team that finished 24-8 and advanced to the NCAA finals. Among others expected to start for the Bruins will be senior Matt Komer (outside hitter) and juniors Rich Nelson (setter), Cameron Mount (outside hitter) and All-American Scott Morrow (quick hitter).

Scates also has assembled a formidable alumni squad, featuring some All-Americans, recent Olympians and NCAA Championship team members. Expected to compete for the Alumni are: former four-time All-American Paul Nihipali, beach volleyball standout Kevin Wong and two-time player of the year Jeff Nygaard. Other former standouts who are expected to play are: former All-American Tom Stillwell, 2000 Olympian Mark Williams and two-time Olympian Erik Sullivan.

"Our alumni team will be ready to win this match," said Scates, who begins his 40th season at the helm of UCLA volleyball.

The UCLA varsity defeated the Alumni last season, 3-1.