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SB Aims to Slow Down Banana Slugs

By Tiffany Polfer / Staff Writer

Published Friday, February 15, 2008

The #13 UCSB men�s volleyball team (5-7 overall, 4-5 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) take a much needed break from MPSF and Division I play, as they host Division III UC Santa Cruz (11-5 overall) tonight. The Gauchos have yet to lose a game to the Banana Slugs as they are 13-0 all-time against UCSC.

�Since this is a non-league match against a Division III opponent, it will hopefully be a chance for a few of us to get some rest, and a few others to see more court time,� junior middle blocker Matt Thobe said. �The rest will be welcome preparation for our home game against UCLA on Wednesday.�

The Gauchos, who started the season 0-3, have turned it around, winning four of their last five games. It is because of this current run that the Gauchos once again broke into the AVCA rankings, earning the #13 spot, and a share of 8th place in the MPSF with Stanford.

�I think the credit has to go to the coaches for making some important personnel [changes] and to all of us as players for responding to what they have given us,� junior setter Max Klineman said. �[Senior middle blocker] Theo [Brunner�s] ability to change positions and make an immediate impact, as well as [junior outside Mike] Runkle�s steady passing and offense have provided our team with a spark.�

First serve kicks off at 7 p.m. today at Rob Gym and the Gauchos are confident that they�ll have an easy time slowing down the Banana Slugs.

�Friday is going to be a sweep,� Thobe said. �Expect to see some impressive blocking and hitting stats as well.�