By Craig Degel
Arizona Daily Wildcat
MENÕS CLUB VOLLEYBALL
The UA womenÕs volleyball team isnÕt the only Arizona squad hoping to leave Austin, Texas, with a title this month.
The UA menÕs club volleyball team is in Austin this weekend for the Longhorn Invitational, hosted by the University of Texas. The womenÕs team hopes to be there for the Final Four in two weeks.
ÒI think theyÕre using us as a test run,Ó middle blocker Brett Cherry said. ÒWe told the girls that weÕd check out the floor for them.Ó
The No. 23 Wildcats go into the tournment with the fifth seed and could face Michigan or Illinois in their bracket. Non-college teams formed by the United States Volleyball Association, some of which feature former U.S. National team members, have been added to round out the field of 32.
Cherry welcomes such stiff competition.
ÒLast yearÕs team was very streaky,Ó he said. ÒThis year weÕre playing with much more consistency. We have the potential to place (first, second or third).Ó
The traveling squad is filled by selecting players from the 28 on the team roster. With three full teams to choose from, fresh talent abounds.
ÒWe have six returning guys,Ó Cherry said. ÒWe also got a lot of talented freshman from California.Ó
The starting six Ñ setter Carl Newman, outside hitters Tyler Page and Jared Sherril, middle blockers Cherry and Kelly McGee, and opposite hitter Mark Pabst Ñ play their first match today at 9 a.m.
WOMENÕS CLUB RUGBY
The Arizona womenÕs club rugby team takes a one-match road trip to Las Cruces, N.M., to take on the Aggies of New Mexico State tomorrow at 1 p.m.
The team captured first place at its own tournament over VeteranÕs Day, but at a high price Ñ the Wildcats go into this weekendÕs match with a lot of players nursing injuries.
MENÕS CLUB RUGBY
The UA menÕs club rugby team decided to forego a trip to Las Vegas this weekend to hold a clinic of sorts for players.
With the league schedule set to open against Arizona State Jan. 28, Coach Dave Sitton and his staff will evaluate the veterans and rookies and try to decide who will lead the Wildcat attack through the tough league season.