By ROMNEY M. STEWART
The No. 3 BYU men's volleyball team kept their undefeated record at home this season intact by defeating the University of Arizona in four games Saturday night 15-8, 13-15, 15-2, and 15-3.
In the first game, the teams seemed to be getting a feel for each other, as the lead changed hands back and forth before the Cougars got on a hot streak, including two straight aces by Ryan Millar to score the last seven points and win the game.
BYU coach Carl McGown used a different lineup for game two. Cougar Mac Wilson scored points two, three, and four with consecutive blocks, while teammate outside hitter Torry Tukuafu had a field day finding holes in the Wildcats' blocking. However, it wasn't enough to win, as BYU's hitting errors and great play from Arizona's middle blocker Vince Rooney kept the Cougars from taking a two games to none lead.
BYU assistant coach Hugh McCutcheon felt that the new lineup played well, but they just didn't take advantage of opportunities to score in the go-ahead.
'It's difficult to come off the bench and play well,' McCutcheon said. 'They can all play, but they just didn't put it together tonight in the loss.'
Cougar Adam Zuffinetti praised Arizona's efforts. 'They are a scrappy team with good talent,' he said. 'When we let them in the door they came and competed.'
The Cougars had new vigor in game three, with Ossie Antonetti and Rich Lambourne putting down some nice shots as the Cougars went on a rampage, wrapping up the game before Arizona really had a chance to pick up any momentum.
A variety of Cougars got into the action during the fourth game. Middle blocker Shane Van Beest, who leads the nation in blocks, gave BYU some additional numbers with some 'roofs' over the Wildcats. The Cougars' sealed the victory with Zuffinetti's ace at game point.
Overall, the BYU coaching staff was pleased with the squad's effort. In particular, the coaches felt the play at the outside hitter position, which has been a source of concern at times this season, was good.
'I liked a lot of the things we did tonight. The offense was very smooth and we did a lot of good stuff,' McCutcheon said.
The Cougars return to league action this weekend with two matches, both at 7:00 p.m.
The team will go up against Park College Friday, followed by a match Saturday night against the No. 12 Rutgers Scarlet Knights.