By
Brian Penso
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Wildcats get team effort in victory
The Arizona volleyball team gave 7,298 fans something to cheer about before UA's Midnight Madness Friday night as they swept the previously undefeated USC Trojans.
The Wildcats (15-2 overall, 8-1 Pacific 10 Conference) handed No. 4 USC (14-1, 8-1) its first loss of the season in front of a raucous crowd, the largest assembly to ever watch an Arizona home game.
UA entered the match coming off a grueling five-game loss against No. 10 UCLA Thursday night. Bruin Kristee Porter had 35 kills in the victory, which ended Arizona's school-record 14-game winning streak.
"I told our team last night it was a heartbreaking loss and that tonight I was going to see the real Arizona team," Arizona head coach David Rubio said. "We had every reason to lose due to the Thursday-Friday schedule and the long match last night."
The No. 6 Wildcats, though, felt that a victory against the Trojans would be necessary if they were to be contenders for the Pac-10 title.
"Every time we have had a challenge we have met it," Rubio said. "Given USC's record and status, this was very satisfying after last night's gut-wrenching loss."
Arizona was led by sophomore middle blocker Stefani Saragosa, who had 13 kills and a game-high 10 blocks to go with a .500 hitting percentage.
For Saragosa, the victory was a chance to get back into a groove on offense.
"I have been struggling a little bit lately," Saragosa said. "Tonight, I came in and I wanted to play for my team and my coaches. I want to be the go-to player. Set me and I will put the ball down."
It was clear from the beginning of the match that the Wildcats were trying to get sophomore outside hitter Lisa Rutledge more involved in the offense - against UCLA, the sophomore hit just .062 from the field.
While Rutledge started the match strong, her play declined in the second game, causing Rubio to sit the sophomore for most of the third game.
Late in the third game, Rutledge was brought back in with UA ahead, 13-11 and the sophomore dominated the game's final two points, securing the match.
"Lisa struggled most of the match, but came in at the end of the game and she was crucial," junior setter Dana Burkholder said.
Rutledge finished the game with 11 kills and 12 digs.
Arizona - which leads the Pac-10 in blocks - manhandled the Trojans at the net blocking 10.5 more balls than USC.
"We really effected their attack with our blockers," Rubio said.
Individually, the Wildcats had five players record double-doubles for the match.
Senior outside hitter Allison Napier led the Wildcats with 15 kills and 13 digs, while junior outside hitter Jill Talbot chipped in with 14 kills and 16 digs.
"We touched so many balls that should have been out," Saragosa said. "When you play defense like that it pumps you up so much more. It helps you gain so much confidence because you go back on offense right away."
Arizona's series against UCLA and USC is typical of what UA will expect when the NCAA tournament starts.
"When you get to the tournament, you play one good game after another," Saragosa said. "UCLA, USC are the biggest tests in the Pac. They are two great teams. This win shows we can hang in there and play with the best of them."
The victory could not have come at a better time - Arizona has reached the halfway point in conference play with a share of the Pac-10 lead.
"This is one of the greatest and most satisfying victories I have ever experienced," Saragosa said. "Being on that court, that energy - it was like magic."
