Volleyball opens tourney against Fresno State

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat Head volleyball coach David Rubio shouts instructions to his players during a game against Washington State Nov. 22. Rubio's Wildcats take on Fresno State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament tonight.

Arizona (21-6, 12-6 in Pacific 10 Conference) faces Fresno State (18-10, 7-7 in Western Athletic Conference) in the opening game of the regional, with top-ranked Long Beach State playing Southern afterwards, and the winners meeting Friday at 8:30 p.m.

"Fresno State is a very good team," UA head coach David Rubio said. "They've played some of the best teams in the country with BYU and Hawaii in their conference."

Fresno State is making its third NCAA Tournament appearance and first since 1991. The Bulldogs are led by Shanus Bennett, who leads the team with 4.74 kills per game, 493 total kills and 351 digs.

"She's a legitimate player," Rubio said. "She can bring some heat."

Kara McKeown leads FSU in hitting percentage (.248) and blocks (111).

Up until Tuesday, when the videotapes came in, the Bulldogs were an unknown force to Arizona. Fresno State has played Oregon, Stanford and San Diego State, three opponents which have also played the Wildcats.

With nearly two weeks off, the Arizona players are rested and ready for an NCAA run.

"Practices have been good," Rubio said. "They've been short and sweet. Confidence is high and the players are looking forward to this match."

Sophomore middle blocker Marisa DaLee, who is on pace to set an Arizona record with her .391 hitting percentage, feels good heading into the tournament.

"We're confident," she said. "If we win this match, we'll be even more confident heading into the next match against Long Beach State."

The possibility of facing No. 1 Long Beach State (30-0) in the second round is exciting to the team, but Rubio and the coaching staff are trying to keep everybody focused on Fresno State. The staff has signs that say "Fresno State" all over their offices, a reminder not to look past the first round.

Last year, Arizona was a heavy favorite over Oral Roberts, but lost the first round match.

"Looking at the tapes, we've seen that they (FSU) are a good team," Rubio said. "They are certainly a team we have to be focused on in order for us to win."

Bryan Rosenbaum can be reached via e-mail at Bryan.Rosenbaum@wildcat.arizona.edu.