UCLA Women's Volleyball Opens Season Against UC Berkeley
The Bruins host the first of this weekend's two matches this afternoon.
This afternoon, the UCLA women’s volleyball team opens their 2020-2021 season with a match against the UC Berkeley Golden Bears at Pauley Pavilion at 2pm PT.
Since it’s the opening match of the season, let’s take a look at this year’s team.
Who’s Gone
Obviously, the Bruins have lost the two seniors from last year’s squad, Savvy Simo and Cali Thompson, but they aren’t the only players who left the UCLA after last season. Jenny Mosser graduated from UCLA after three seasons and will play this season as a graduate transfer for Kansas.
Meanwhile, Hawley Harrer has transferred to St. Mary’s after playing two seasons in Westwood.
Who’s New
In addition to a six-member freshman class, head coach Michael Sealy has brought in two junior transfers. Outside hitter élan McCall has transferred to UCLA from TCU where she was on the 2018 All-Big 12 First Team and All-Big 12 Rookie Team. Defensive Specialist Zoe Fleck joins the Bruins after playing her first two seasons at UC Santa Barbara.
Additionally, Sealy has added two new assistant coaches for 2020. Eric Barber joins the staff after coaching at Cal Poly last season. Mike Brunsting will serve as a volunteer assistant coach. The duo replaces Brad Keller, who is now the Southern Cal head coach, and Jimmy Lo.
Who’s Back
Mac May returns for her senior season along with Sabrina Smith and Alexis Light, who is returning from an injury which left her sidelined all of last season. Devon Chang will be looked to for leadership amongst this group.
Overall, this team, while still young, is a year more experienced than last year’s team which should raise the expectations some.
UCLA Women’s Volleyball (0-0)
Opponent:Â UC Berkeley Golden Bears (0-0)
When:Â 2:00 pm PT, Friday, January 22, 2021
Where:Â Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
TV/Live Stream:Â Pac-12.com
Live Stats: UCLA StatBroadcast
Official Match Preview
Go Bruins!
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