UCLA Women Spikers Open Against Strong San Diego

The UCLA women’s volleyball team, defending Pac-10 Conference champion and ranked fifth nationally this year by Volleyball Monthly, will open the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday at No. 9 San Diego State.

Three starters return from last year’s Bruin squad, which finished 31-10 overall and 17-1 in the Pac-10 and was eliminated by Loyola Marymount in the first round of the NCAA playoffs. Returning leaders are junior setter Ann Boyer, a second-team All-American last year; senior outside hitter Lori Zeno, an all-conference selection, and senior outside hitter Wendy Fletcher.

UCLA will compete Tuesday in the All-Cal Tournament at UC Irvine.

Nina Matthies, coach of the No. 19 Pepperdine’s women’s volleyball team, has reason to be optimistic about improving on last year’s 18-17 record. Matthies has 11 letter winners, including all six starters.

The Waves, led by senior outsider hitter Julie Evans, a two-time All-West Coast Athletic Conference selection, open against UC Santa Barbara at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Firestone Field House in Malibu and will play at USC at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The No. 13 UCLA men’s soccer team, which defeated Cal State Northridge, 1-0, in an exhibition last week, will play host to Nevada Las Vegas at 2 p.m. Sunday at North Athletic Field.

Against the Matadors, senior Peter Pelle scored the only goal and sophomore goaltender Anton Nistl got the shutout, recording four saves, three in the first half.

The Rebels, who lost a 2-1 exhibition to the Greek Americans last week, will be opening the regular season against UCLA. UNLV Coach Barry Barto has 12 lettermen, including seven starters, paced by forwards Shawn Ritchie and Jeff Wale.