After defeating Cal State Northridge 3-0 Friday and No.1 Long Beach State 3-1 Saturday, the No. 8 BYU men’s volleyball team faces UC Irvine and UC San Diego this weekend. The Cougars are on the road to face the Anteaters on Friday at 7 p.m. PST in Irvine, Calif., and the Tritons at 7 p.m. PST in La Jolla, Calif.
After two losses in exhibition games, the Cougars’ preseason play caused concern for the season’s outlook. But after two big wins to start the regular season, BYU is gearing up to play their 2013 rivals. BYU outside hitter Taylor Sander was named Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Week for his performances against Cal State Northridge and Long Beach State last week.
The Cougars last met UC Irvine in the NCAA tournament finals, where BYU lost to the Anteaters in the championship match. UC Irvine is currently 2-1 in its 2014 season.
UC San Diego comes off a 3-0 loss to Pepperdine Saturday. UC San Diego is 0-3 for its 2014 season.
UC Irvine and UC San Diego will both face USC before hosting the Cougars, with Irvine facing the Trojans Tuesday and San Diego facing them Friday.
