By
Brian Penso
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Wildcats size played a huge factor in its victory
The Arizona volleyball team cruised to a first round victory last night against Alabama A&M at McKale Center.
The No. 5 Wildcats (26-4 overall, 16-2 Pacific 10 Conference) were too much for the Bulldogs (31-3, 8-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) to handle as UA swept them 15-1,15-3,15-3.
"It is nice to have this kind of game to get our feet wet and get jitters out in the tournament," Arizona junior setter Dana Burkholder said.
UA senior Marisa DaLee showed why she is the nation's fifth leading hitter as she tallied 11 kills to go with a.586 hitting percentage.
Rubio said the team has been practicing all week on forcing the play of its middle blocker and last night it paid off.
"We were able to establish a nice rhythm with Dana and Marisa," Rubio said.
The match, which lasted a mere one hour and two minutes, was a one sided match from the start.
One of the many advantages that UA had was its size.
"Obviously we were a lot bigger at the net and we dominated," Burkholder said. "One of their hitters ( senior middle blocker DeAnna Hines) hit something like .500 on the season, but going up against a team like ours is going to be a lot more difficult."
The Wildcats held the nations leading hitter to a dismal -.111 hitting percentage, which was below her .461 season ending average.
"To compete for a national championship you need that size and it definitely took us out of our rhythm," Alabama A&M head coach Betty Austin said. "We have not played against any teams with 6-foot-2 and 6-3 players. When our tallest player is 5-11 it is going to makes a difference."
Bulldog players though said that the size advantage did not play a factor in the outcome of the match.
"There was noticeable difference, but size does not matter when you put two athletes against each other," Bulldogs sophomore outside hitter Keia Odle said. "We did not do some of the things we needed to do, but we gave it our all and they played a good game.
The Wildcat's size was apparent with 10 total team blocks, which was nine more then the Bulldogs.
Besides having success at the net, UA served well, which Rubio said was a key in taking the Bulldogs out of its offensive game plan.
"For Arizona to be on all cylinders we have to serve well," Rubio said. "It really sets the tempo for us. When we serve well our blocking and defense follows suit. It sets the table for us."
Arizona will now take on the Michigan Wolverines, who defeated Louisville 15-12, 15-11, 2-15, 15-12, last night.
"The best way I can describe them is that they battle tough and they are skilled and we will have to come to play," Rubio said
The Wildcats face off against Michigan tonight at the McKale Center. First serve is at 7.
