Aztecs Come Close, But Fall To UCLA

The 16th-ranked San Diego State women’s volleyball team gave second-ranked UCLA all it could ask for before losing to the visiting Bruins, 15-8, 13-15, 12-15, 15-7, 15-11, Tuesday night at Peterson Gym. The Aztecs led 9-7 in the fifth game, before UCLA (8-1) rallied to take an 11-9 lead. Sophomore Gracie Schutt led the Aztecs (8-4) with 25 kills, three service aces and 14 digs. SDSU senior Angela Martin added 23 kills, one service ace and 13 digs. Jenny Evans and Natalie Williams had 19 kills each to lead UCLA.

The University of San Diego, led by sophomore Andrea Burns’ 13 kills, defeated visiting Cal State Fullerton, 15-8, 16-14, 15-13. USD (6-7) came from behind in the last two games to win its second match in a row.

Point Loma Nazarene College raised its record to 9-4 with a 15-5, 15-4, 15-3 victory over visiting Mount St. Mary’s College of St. Louis in a nonconference match. Janelle Dutton led PLNC with nine kills.

US International University defeated host UC Riverside, 15-11, 15-9, 15-9, in a nonconference match. Stephanie Milbradt led USIU (4-9) with 15 kills and April Devine had 14.

SOCCER

The Sockers on Tuesday signed one of their key performers off last year’s championship team, defensive runner Wes Wade. Terms were unannounced, but Coach Ron Newman said Wade received a hefty increase over the $6,000 developmental contract he played under last year.

Wade, a 22-year-old who has no formal training in soccer, scored nine goals in 46 regular-season games his rookie year, then kicked in eight in 16 playoff games. His main contribution, however, came on defense where he used his speed to thwart many attacks before they could fully develop.

“Wes has the unique ability to look like a player who has played several years in the English first division or the German first division,” Newman said. “And as he gets more confident, there won’t be anything he won’t be able to do.”

In another matter, Newman said he received a message from free-agent Michael Collins who was expected for the start of training camp on Monday. Newman said Collins will be delayed two weeks while he coaches two youth teams in the San Fernando Valley.

Also, forward Jim Gabarra is expected to arrive today to talk contract, Newman said.