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Wildcats take on Wazoo, UW

Photo
KEVIN KLAUS/Arizona Daily Wildcat
Freshman Kim Glass and sophomore Jolene Killough attempt a block against University of New Mexico earlier this season. The Wildcats will play tonight at Washington State, then tomorrow at Washington.
By Brian Penso
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Thursday October 3, 2002

In years past, traveling to the Pacific Northwest to take on Washington State and Washington has been a cakewalk for the Arizona women's volleyball team.

The Wildcats own an eight match-winning streak against the Cougars öö tonight's foe, and a nine match-winning streak against the Huskies öö tomorrow's opponent.

But with the Wildcats struggling this season, that may all be in jeopardy over the weekend. The Washington schools have enjoyed their best starts in school history.

Washington (10-2 overall, 2-2 Pacific 10 Conference) is one win away from eclipsing its win total of 11 from last season and is trying to sneak into the top 25.

The No. 19 Cougars (11-2, 2-2) began the season 11-0, before falling to top-ranked USC and 13th-ranked UCLA last weekend.

Arizona (6-5,1-2) is coming off a disappointing loss to in-state rival ASU, and is looking for two wins this weekend to move above a .500 winning percentage in Pac-10 play.

"There are no easy matches for us this season," senior outside hitter Lisa Rutledge said. "We have to take every match this season seriously. Washington State has a lot of experience and it is really important for us to play well this weekend."

Senior outside hitter Shannon Torregrosa said UA has had a good week of practice and is prepared for going on the road and coming home with two victories.

"(Head coach) Dave (Rubio) talked to us about being well prepared for each opponent we face," Torregrosa said. "Unlike Long Beach St. and other schools in weaker conferences, every match we play is a tough one. We just have to go out and play our game."

Rutledge said the most important thing for Arizona to focus on this week is continuing to build team chemistry on the court.

"We have to continue to build chemistry on the court," Rutledge said. "As we become more comfortable on the court, our offense and defense will improve. It will make us a much better team."

Freshman outside Kim Glass has been an offensive leader for the Wildcats as she leads the team in kills with a 4.37 kill per game average.

Glass has been effective, but Arizona has lacked consistency from its other hitters so far this season.

In its match with ASU, Glass led the way with 15 kills and the UA middle blockers ÷ freshman Bre Ladd and Torregrosa ÷ added 19 kills.

But Rutledge was unable to get on track and finished the match with a .034 hitting percentage.

For the Wildcats to maximize their ability and potential on the court, Rubio said it is vital for all of UA's hitters to be more consistent in order to have a more balanced offensive attack.

"We have to just go out and play our game," Glass said. "We are really confident that we can go on the road and come back with two wins."

That will all be answered beginning tonight.

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