In 1982 the Arizona volleyball team defeated Texas A&M to earn the right to play Pacific in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers defeated the Wildcats in four games in Houston.

Fourteen years later the 20th-ranked Wildcats have again defeated their first-round opponent for the right to play No. 10 Pacific in the second round. They defeated San Diego 3-2 at USD Sports Center in San Diego and will travel to Stockton, Calif., to face Pacific tomorrow night.

The Wildcats face Pacific at 9 p.m. Tucson time.

"When we get in a five-game situation we feel confident we're going to win," Rubio said. "I think it's the result of the evolution of the team throughout the season."

The Arizona win was a team effort in all regards. Setter Michaela Ebben had 58 assists, middle blockers Erin Aldrich and Stephanie Venne combined for 28 kills, 17 digs and 11 blocks. Outside hitters Barb Bell and Carolyn Penfield lit up the Toreros with 17 and 20 kills, respectively. Bell led the team with 15 digs, followed by Michelle Fanger, who tallied 13 of her own.

"Erin Aldrich really elevated her game for us," Rubio said. "Carrie was fantastic."

San Diego may be a talented team, but it is no Pacific. The Tigers are 25-6, with wins over such notables as Stanford and Long Beach State.

Pacific is also one of only four schools to participate in all 16 NCAA Division I Volleyball Tournaments. They won national titles in 1985 and1986.

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