Arizona volleyball coach Dave Rubio said he is not sure how his program will be affected by John Mackovic's nearly $1 million dollar buyout, although it was untouched by Dick Tomey's buyout.

While the volleyball team was spared from cuts resulting from Tomey's $600,000 buyout, Rubio doesn't know how the athletic department will foot the $910,000 Mackovic bill.

According to John Perrin, the UA's senior associate athletic director of business affairs, solely athletics department funds will be used, with no tuition revenue or state appropriated funds included. Morgan said the department generates all of its own income through gate receipts, television revenue and advertising.

"It's obviously coming from the athletic department, but I don't know how that's going to work," he said. "I'm not concerned about that. I'm just concerned with getting my team ready to play every week. All that information will be communicated to me later on if there are any changes."

Rubio, who attends football games when he can, believes the powers that be at the UA will find the best man for the job.

"It's unfortunate. I think that anytime there's a coaching change that requires the releasing of a coach, it's difficult for all parties," he said. "Our athletic director, Jim Livengood, knows what's best for our programs and I trust that he'll make the right decisions."

Cal's Jerkov named Player of the Week

For the second time in three weeks, the Wildcats will face the reigning Pac-10 Player of the Week. This time, it's California junior outside hitter Mia Jerkov.

A Split, Croatia native, Jerkov had 43 kills, 20 digs and six service aces in the Golden Bears' sweep of the Washington schools. Jerkov leads No. 9 Cal (14-0, 4-0, Pacific 10 Conference) with 240 kills (6.15 kills per game) and 268 points, and is second on the team with 18 service aces and 120 digs.

Halfaker ready to make contribution

Setter Kelly Halfaker, Arizona's only senior, may see more action this week.

Halfaker, who is coming off a pair of knee injuries, will spell true freshman setter Stephanie Butkus, depending on how much she plays, Rubio said. The coach hasn't made any changes yet after Arizona's 0-3 Pac-10 start.

"She's getting better every day. I'm very pleased, actually," Rubio said. "I feel like she's taken some good steps and put herself in a position to warrant some playing time."