March 24, 2009

The 10th-ranked UCLA men's volleyball team will travel this week to Provo, UT to meet No. 5 BYU. First-serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST at Smith Fieldhouse.

The Bruins (9-12, 5-9) split their last conference series, falling in three games at CS Northridge on Mar. 11 and beating UC Santa Barbara in four on the road Mar. 13. Last week UCLA was idle because of final exams.

Live stats and live video will be offered for both matches. Click here for more information.

BYU (13-8, 9-5) won a pair of five-game matches against visiting Long Beach State over the weekend.

In recent years, the two teams have split three of the last four series. The last UCLA victory in Provo, UT came on Jan. 29, 2005. UCLA leads the overall series, 33-16.

In the matches against CS Northridge and UCSB, UCLA freshman Jack Polales converted 34 kills, leading the Bruins with 17 each night. The series also featured the return of junior Garrett Muagututia, who was slowed earlier this season by an ankle sprain.

The Cougars have won four straight, including a five-game victory against defending NCAA champion Penn State on Mar. 13. Against Long Beach State, BYU freshman middle blocker Futi Tavana recorded his first two double-doubles and was named MPSF co-Player of the Week. On Mar. 20 Tavana posted 11 kills and 11 blocks before recording 14 kills and 13 blocks on Mar. 21.

In the MPSF race, the Bruins are battling UC San Diego for the eighth spot and a chance to earn a playoff berth. The Tritons visit Pepperdine and USC this week. BYU is tied with USC for the fourth spot and a chance to host a quarterfinal match beginning, Apr. 25.