Volleyball team slips in rankings

By Arlie Rahn

Arizona Daily Wildcat

The Arizona women's volleyball team has dropped two spots to 14th in the Tachikara/AVCA poll because of its disappointing performance at Arizona State Friday night. Although the Wildcats outhit ASU .349 to .129 in the first game, their 10 service errors were the deciding factor in their 16-14 loss.

The Wildcats had been averaging just nine service errors per match entering the contest. Arizona ended the game, however, with 21 errant serves, which tied a school record.

"I have no explanation for the outcome of Friday's game," Arizona coach David Rubio said. "Losing the first game 16-14 was tough, but that was not the reason we played so poorly in our next two games. It is just one of those things you can't dwell on."

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Friday's match-up against Washington in Seattle will be a key match for the Wildcats. Washington is coming off two tough losses against Southern Cal and UCLA. But in order to defeat the Huskies, Arizona will have to find a way to control 6-foot-4 sophomore quick hitter Angela Bransom.

"Angela is progressing to a level that we expected," said Washington coach Bill Neville. "She has a great work ethic, and comes to play everyday. Therefore, she seldom has a bad day."

Bransom was recently named Pacific 10 Conference player of the week for Sept. 19-25, during which she slammed 44 kills and had a .511 hitting percentage in two games.

"Angela Bransom is going to be one of the premier players in the conference in a few years," Rubio said. "We will have to key on her and try to slow her down in the kill department."

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Stanford's highly recruited freshman, Kristin Folkl, was named Pac-10 player of the week for Sept. 26-Oct. 1.

Folkl, a St. Louis native, had career-highs and Stanford team bests against California on Tuesday when she recorded 21 kills and 17 digs. She continued her hot play with match-high kill totals in all three matches this week. Her .419 hitting percentage is leading the Pac-10.

"Kristin is a total package," said Stanford coach Don Shaw. "In addition to her obvious physical ability, she plays with poise and confidence. These are not too common to most freshmen."

Arizona's Melissa Ferris was nominated for the award. She continued her solid play last week by recording 15 kills and hitting .310 against ASU.

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