Culver City Observer -

By Myke Williams

Sports Reporter

The No. 1-seeded USC Trojans and the No. 14 seeded UCLA Bruins will be at home this weekend when they host the first round of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

The Trojans played Cleveland State Thursday and if they advance they will battle the winner of the San Diego versus Northern Arizona match on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Galen Center on the USC campus.

The top ranked Trojans are led by Pac-12 of the Year, outside hitter Samantha Bricio. USC is coached by Pac-12 Coach of the Year Mick Haley.

The 30-2 Trojans are co-champions of the Pac-12 along with Washington. They use a fast rotating offense to try to keep their opponents off balance. “We feel like we are ready for the NCAA Tournament,” said Haley last week after USC beat California on Senior Day. “We have been practicing for the tournament for about two weeks .”

Staying healthy and player chemistry have been the key to the Trojans’ dream season so far. “Our conference prepares us for the NCAA’s,” said Haley. “We have so many great teams and outstanding coaches.”

Although Bricio is their best player Brittany Abercrombie, Alyse Ford, Baylee Johnson, Alicia Ogoms, Elise Ruddins and Taylor Whittingham are also playing outstanding volleyball for the Trojans.

The freshmen players will be looking for their coaches and seniors, Bricio and Ogoms to help guide them through the pressure packed tournament.

“We will share our experiences from past tournaments,” said Bricio. “We need to keep everyone calm and play each opponent like it’s your last game.”

The 23-7 UCLA Bruins will play 23-8 Lipscomb at 8 p.m. on Friday inside Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus. If they advanced they will battle the winner of Michigan versus Santa Clara match at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

The Bruins are led by Jordan Anderson, Reily Buechler, Claire Felix, Rachel Inouye and Jessyka Ngauamo.