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By Daniel Miller

Daily Bruin Contributor While it may sound like an exaggeration, if the UCLA men’s volleyball team does not win the 2002 NCAA championship this year, it would be an upset. “I always think our team can go all the way, and it usually does,” head coach Al Scates said. With statements like that and 18 national championships to back up the talk, it is clear that the team will make another strong run for the title. Even though the Bruins (7-1, 2-0 MPSF) lost All-American outside hitter and team captain Mark Williams and four-time All-American middle blocker Adam Naeve to graduation, the Bruins are a better and deeper team than last year. “Despite losing some players, it’s definitely a stronger defensive team this year,” said Scates, who is entering his 40th season with the Bruins. “The players that are returning got a lot better.” After winning the NCAA championship in 2000, the Bruins lost to Brigham Young University in the NCAA finals last year. At the start of last season Scates said, “I think I know how to peak this team.” With talk of this year’s team being even better, peaking may be less of an issue. “We are off to a better start this year than last year,” Scates said. “This is a team that can get a lot better.” The top-ranked Bruins had a productive preseason, although opposite hitter Ian Burnham quit the team in order to focus on academics after a preseason tournament in Europe . UCLA faces several tough opponents in February, including matches against UC Santa Barbara, Pepperdine – who handed the Bruins their only loss this year – and Long Beach State. The Bruins also face BYU twice in three days at Pauley Pavilion.

Setter Junior Rich Nelson returns as a second-year setter to run the team’s offense. “Nelson is a good leader,” Scates said. “I call very few plays because he runs the offense so masterfully. He has done an excellent job.”

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Middle blockers UCLA’s combination of experience and talent at this position make it a strong defensive team. Sophomore Chris Peña, who replaces Naeve, has become a vocal leader on the court this season and is hitting for the highest percentage on the team. “We need to block better as a team,” Peña said. “We need to listen to Coach Scates more because he’s the guru, and sometimes what he says goes in one ear and out the other.” Junior Scott Morrow brings experience to the team, having played last year. As of late he has dealt with a nagging thumb injury but has played with a bandaged hand.

Outside hitters Junior Cameron Mount, senior team captain Matt Komer and freshman Jonathan Acosta are UCLA’s starting outside hitters – and with good reason. Komer, who has made the Outrigger Hotels Invitational All-Tournament team two years in a row, is the team’s only senior and provides excellent leadership along with Mount, according to Scates. “Komer is our silent captain,” Peña said jokingly. “We all respect him. Although, he’s 1-35 when arguing with the referee, and that is something he needs to work on.” In response to Peña, Komer said, “It’s hard to win calls. I try my hardest, but I still lose.” Probably the biggest surprise for the team has been Acosta’s rise to dominance in the first part of the season. Acosta’s play in the Outrigger, played Jan. 17-19, earned him the Most Valuable Player award in the tournament and AVCA National Player of the Week honors. The Bruins have a strong backup outside hitter in true freshman David Russell, who has recovered from a sprained ankle to contribute valuably off the bench.

Libero Sophomore Adam Shrader returns after a strong season last year. “I thought that last year Shrader did a fantastic job,” Scates said. “He should have been the All-Tournament libero in Hawaii this year if they had picked one. He’s a little underrated.” The libero can only dig and set in the back row.