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Setter Krystal McFarland and the UCLA women’s volleyball team are looking to take care of b

When the UCLA women’s volleyball team finished off their match against Oregon on Nov. 20, many of the seniors fell to tears after playing in what they thought would be their last home match. Nearly two weeks later, however, the Bruins (18-10) received some surprising news. By getting a No. 15 seed in the NCAA tournament, the seniors learned they will possibly have two more home matches. “I never thought that I would have had the chance to play at Pauley again,” senior Brynn Murphy said. “But now I’m just so excited for the opportunity.” “I just hope that we can take advantage of it and finish on a high note.” All five of the Bruin seniors, one of the most distinguished classes in recent history, will start tournament play this Friday against Loyola Marymount (17-11). The season has not necessarily gone as the Bruins envisioned, finishing the season ranked 15th after starting it ranked third. But that’s a moot point now as the Bruin seniors are just appreciative to get two more matches to play in front of their home fans. “Despite all we’ve gone through this season, it’s really special for the seniors to be able to return home and play in front of our fans,” coach Andy Banachowski said. “Hopefully they’ll be able to capitalize on the momentum we gained in the past weekend against the Washington schools.”

FAMILIARITY WITH THE OPPONENTS: Two Southern California teams, Long Beach State and Loyola Marymount, were selected to be in the same bracket as UCLA for this weekend’s opening matches. “It will be tough competition for us,” Banachowski said. “The quality of the teams in Southern California is very high, and I’m sure they will be gunning for us.” Both teams have players with ties to members of the Bruins, which will offer an unusual level of familiarity between all the schools. “All the girls know each other through their club teams and are familiar with their tendencies,” outside hitter Becky Green said. “It’s going make for a very fun weekend.” Laura Kroneberger, in particular, has a unique situation as her sister, Sara, is a member of the Long Beach State team. “It was a very awkward circumstance when the tournament seedings came out,” Kroneberger said. “I don’t think I have ever played against my sister before, and it will definitely be interesting.”

ZARTMAN FIRST-TEAM ALL PAC-10: Bruin senior libero Chrissie Zartman, UCLA’s all-time leader in digs, was selected to the All-Pac-10 First Team on Tuesday. It is Zartman’s third consecutive selection to the All-Pac-10 team.

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