After a tough inaugural season last year in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, UCSD’s men’s volleyball team is seeking to return to its winning ways, which garnered a Division III national championship in 2000.
In its first year of competition in the league, which is composed of both Division I and II programs, UCSD finished dead last with a 6-21 overall record and a 0-17 conference record.
Head coach Ron Larsen, beginning his third year with the Tritons, equivocated when asked about his team’s chances in 2002.
“”That’s always a tough question for us because we play in such a tough league,”” he said. “”I really like where we are right now. We have people who have stepped into a couple of key positions from seniors graduating.””
Graduation last year saw UCSD lose two of its best players, Donald Chen and Zack Hite.
Chen was the team leader in kills, finishing the season with 376; over 100 more than the nearest Triton. He also led the team in minutes, sitting out only one set of the total 95 UCSD played last year. He was also among the team leaders of the Tritons defensively, posting 148 digs on the season.
Hite was also a huge part of the Tritons last year, finishing second to Chen in kills and minutes, and was fourth on the team in digs.
“”They are two losses we have,”” Larsen said. “”We are going to lose Zack’s leadership ability and his four years of experience.””
However, Larsen is optimistic about the players filling the gaps created by the graduated seniors.
“”We think we have a few people to step in,”” he said. “”Jim Waller, who we think is going to step in and play well in Chen’s position as an opposite, and Joe Griffin is a high-flying outside hitter who jumps over 40 inches and we think he’ll be good there.””
Griffin and Waller, both sophomores, saw limited action for UCSD last year but now will have to step up for the Tritons, as they are seeking contributions from their returnees rather than their freshmen.
“”I’m looking at our freshmen and I’m not sure if they’re going to give a great contribution this year,”” Larsen said. “”[We are looking for contributions from] more redshirts than last year.””
The Tritons are seeking a lot of production from their top two returners, senior setter Jordan Hove and junior Eric Perrine.
“”Eric and Jordan are our captains and are expected to lead the team,”” Larsen said.
Larsen also mentioned junior outside hitter Chris Mortimer as another key to this year’s squad.
However, like last year, UCSD will be deficient in the one area which no amount of practice helps: height.
“”I think height [is our biggest weakness],”” Larsen said. “”We’re not really big and it’s clearly one of our biggest differences. We’re not able to compete at the net. It would help if we were a bit bigger.””
But the Tritons do have their share of strengths as well.
“”We’re servicing the ball really well and we’re playing fabulous defense,”” Larsen said. “”If we can just bring up our offense, we’ll be better than last year.””
The men’s volleyball team gets its first test Saturday as they travel north to take on a nonconference opponent, California Baptist University at 1 p.m. at Riverside.
The Tritons then begin league play on Jan. 18, when they host the University of Southern California.
Overall, Larsen is satisfied with his team’s progress.
“”I think we have a competitive team and they work really hard,”” he said.
