The Arizona men's club volleyball team will begin its title defense this weekend in a competitive preseason tournament in California.

The Wildcats are looking to pick up where they left off last season as they travel to the UC-San Diego to wage war against four teams öö Long Beach State, San Diego State University, UC-Irvine and Cal.

For Arizona, these four squads may prove to be its toughest competitio n of the year. UC-Irvine and Long Beach State are tough Division 1 opponents, while San Diego State and UC-Berkeley are traditionally strong club teams.

"This weekend should set the tone for the rest of the year," senior Jeff Grobe said. "Our goal is always to go out and get the win."

Due to National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association regulations, the Wildcats are divided into two squads this year. The "A" squad plays its matches as a Division I club team. The "B" Team is in Division III.

Last year the Wildcats utilized a three-team system, each one resulting in national championships in their respective divisions.

The Wildcat "A" team returns the same lineup as last year's championship squad, with the exception of outside hitter Kevin