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Nearby family gives Elam extra play boost

Last Friday's game against Oregon saw senior outside hitter Raelene Elam rack up a career-high .556 kill percentage as the Wildcats swept the Ducks, 15-8, 15-4 and 15-13.

UA's lone senior says she has noticed a change in her play since her parents moved to Tucson from their home in Gridley, Calif.

"It's great to come out here and play in front of both my family and my in-laws," Elam said. "It gives me a great confidence boost. They keep me focused."

Last Thursday's come-from-behind win over Oregon State was UA head coach David Rubio's 250th career victory.

Rubio started his career in 1987 as the head coach at Cal-State Bakersfield, where, at just 28 years old, he built the program into a contender.

"I really don't buy into the numbers game," Rubio said, referring to his 250th win. "But it's nice to be able to settle in with a program and watch the evolutionary process."

Rubio is 58 victories away from the Arizona record held by Rosie Wegrich, who coached the Wildcats from 1977 until 1991.

After just nine matches, Lisa Rutledge has emerged as the top freshman on the team.

The outside hitter led the Wildcats with 16 kills against Oregon State in a match which saw UA come back after being down two games to win the match 17-15 in the fifth and decisive game.

Rutledge, who competed for the U.S. Junior National Team, is surprised she's playing at all.

"In high school, I played on the other side of the court," Rutledge said. "When coach Rubio told me that I had to switch sides, I just assumed he would give me time to learn the position. But he's played me anyway."

Freshman Melayne Wootan was benched for the Oregon State game for violating team rules.

Rubio has a personal rule that states that any player that misses a class will be forced to sit out a game.

"You miss class, you sit. It that simple." Rubio said. "Players have to learn that they can't get away with missing class and then expect to play the same night. If you're not up for class, you're not up for a game."