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Volleyball team leaves for season's key trip

Joshua D. Trujillo Arizona Daily Wildcat UA's junior middle blocker Marisa DaLee spikes the ball, while sophomore setter Dana Burkholder looks on during last Friday's match against Oregon. The Wildcats open up their Pac-10 road season tonight as they take on UCLA at 7 in Pauley Pavilion and Southern Cal tomorrow night.

The women's volleyball team came together last weekend when they fought off Oregon State in five games and swept Oregon.

This weekend, the No. 14 Wildcats take their show on the road for perhaps the most pivotal road series of the season, traveling to Southern Cal and UCLA for games three and four of Pacific 10 Conference play.

"We're unbelievably excited about this weekend's trip," junior middle blocker Marisa DaLee said. "UCLA's ranked 11th and USC is ranked 19th. This is our chance to move up in the polls and make a run at the Pac-10 title."

Head coach David Rubio is approaching the weekend cautiously.

"With each trip to Los Angeles, there is a sense of excitement as well as a sense of trepidation," Rubio said. "It's our toughest trip of the year."

In the 48-game history between the Wildcats and the Bruins, UA has prevailed just eight times, taking only two games in Los Angeles. Last season, the Wildcats were in a similar situation but were swept by the Bruins, 15-10, 15-3 and 15-13.

The Bruins return all of their starters and 14 of their 17 letter winners. These facts coupled with the Wildcats' inconsistent play of late contribute to make UA an underdog against UCLA Friday night.

"Passing and defense will be the keys to victory Friday night," Rubio said. "They are far and away the most physical team we've played all year."

Saturday night won't be any easier for UA as they face a Southern Cal team that, despite losing half of its starters and its coach during the off-season, has managed to claim a No. 19 national ranking.

"USC will be a tough game also," DaLee said. "But it really doesn't matter who we play as long as we stay together. Right now, we're capable of beating anyone."

A solid week of practice has emphasized passing, which was the near-downfall of the Wildcats against Oregon State, as well as solidarity, which has emerged since the defining win over the Beavers.

"We needed this week of practice considering who we're going up against," Rubio said. "We can't make the same mistakes against Southern Cal and UCLA as we made against other teams. They'll take advantage of our weaknesses."

The Wildcats' depth this season has been a factor in their success, but judging by the fact that in the past five games, five different players have led the team in kills, they have been somewhat inconsistent as well.

"It's a sign of the talent we have here, but its also a sign of our recent inconsistency," Rubio said. "If we can get our fundamentals down, we'll see the same players stepping up every night."

Friday night's game against UCLA will be televised on Fox Sports Arizona.

"We're excited about the publicity," DaLee said. "After all, it is L.A."