The Arizona volleyball team took two significant steps this weekend in its drive to the NCAA tournament. Wins over Oregon and 25th-ranked Oregon State have given the Wildcats new life after a difficult first half of the Pacific 10 Conference season.

"It's a self-fulfilling prophecy," UA head coach Dave Rubio said. "If you have the courage to believe in the outcome and work hard enough to achieve it, then you're helping it happen. Sometimes it doesn't, but sometimes it does."

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A name from UA past was on the floor for Oregon State on Sunday afternoon. OSU setter Miya Malauulu is the sister of former UA quarterback George Malauulu.

Miya is considered the best setter in the Pac-10 and leads the conference in assists per game. Her 82-assist effort against Oregon was the best by any Pac-10 setter all season.

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Erin Aldrich continues to impress the Arizona coaches. She had 28 kills this weekend along with 10 block assists.

"It's amazing that a freshman shows up every game and puts up the numbers that she does," Rubio said. "I even hate talking about her, because I don't want to jinx her. Freshmen typically will have one great match and then have one mediocre match and then they are up and down. She works so hard, and sitting on the bench it's nice to know you got her out there."

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The Wildcats were beaten almost single-handedly by OSU's Heather Lowe when they faced each other in Corvallis, Ore. She had come off a 39-kill performance against Oregon. On Sunday, Arizona stifled Lowe, allowing her only eight kills and five digs.

"She's been one of the best players in the Pac-10, and she came in and we affected her right off the bat," Rubio said. "She certainly wasn't the same player we played against at Oregon State."

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Setter Michaela Ebben had a career-best 66 assists against Oregon, and her play against OSU was almost flawless. Against USC and Arizona State, Ebben had 61 assists, which was her previous best.

"Michaela had her best match. She was great tonight (against OSU)," Rubio said. "She really delivered the ball today. She had great dynamics. I'm really proud of her, as I am of all the players."

Ebben talked more about the team's performance.

"We were waiting for everyone to play together on one night, and I think it happened today (Sunday)," Ebben said.

"We all played as a team, with not a lot on our shoulders. We just went out there and played how we know how to play, had fun and worked hard."

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