Volleyball team wins against ASU, coach suffers injury in celebration

The most memorable moment of the UA volleyball team's season was a 15-9, 9-15, 14-16, 15-13, 15-9 win at Arizona State Oct. 17.

While the comeback victory was highlighted by freshman outside hitter Jill Talbot's 14 kills, 18 digs and 10 assists, it was the celebration following the victory that got most of the attention.

As head coach David Rubio high-fived assistant coach Charita Johnson, assistant coach Chris Lamb patted Rubio on the back, causing his shoulder to separate.

The injury sidelined Rubio from playing in practice for two weeks, but he recovered completely.

That "play" would be the target of most of the team's jokes for the remainder of the season.

Arizona was ranked No. 19 at the time and off to its best start ever. After defeating Fresno State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats lost to No. 1 seed and eventual national champion Long Beach State in the second round.

Bryan Rosenbaum can be reached at Bryan.Rosenbaum@wildcat.arizona.edu.