Bruins Become the Top Target

Their jerseys still say UCLA, but the logo may as well be a bull’s-eye to the Bruin women’s volleyball team.

For all the accolades the Bruins received before the start of the season, they are finding out what being No. 1 in the country is all about.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been ranked this high,” said UCLA Coach Andy Banachowski. “The team is excited to be at the top. But we know that it is going to be hard to keep that ranking.”

Proof came in the season-opening State Farm Classic last weekend. After defeating defending NCAA champion Penn State, UCLA was upset by 13th-ranked Colorado State in five games.

But there are enough reasons why UCLA, 28-4 in 1999, was a consensus choice for preseason No. 1.

Junior outside hitter Kristee Porter is one of the nation’s best players. Last year, Porter reached 1,000 kills in her first 50 matches, second-fastest in NCAA history.

Senior middle blocker Elisabeth Bachman is another All-American candidate. Setter Erika Selsor is running the offense for the third consecutive season, and senior defensive specialist Michelle Quon may be the best in the country.

Long Beach State (31-4), an annual national title contender, is ranked second by Volleyball magazine and fourth in the USA Today coaches’ poll. A fourth consecutive appearance in the final four for Coach Brian Gimmillaro and the 49ers hinges on junior middle blockers Cheryl Weaver and Tayyiba Haneef.

Bolstered by the nation’s top recruiting class, USC is ranked fourth and seventh in the polls after a 21-9 season and No. 17 final ranking.

Senior outside hitters Antoinette Polk and Janae Henry and junior middle blocker Jennifer Pahl, a first-team All-Pacific 10 pick, are the leaders, but top-rated freshmen April Ross and Katie Olsovsky are expected to make a major impact.

Defending West Coast Conference champion Pepperdine is ranked eighth in the coaches’ poll. The Waves, who were 26-4 last season, are led by setter Melissa Plass, middle blocker Kate Taylor and outside hitters Melissa Snow and Lisa Borom, all juniors.