In big upset, top-seeded UCLA men’s volleyball season ends

Their fortunes changed in a flash. One moment, the UCLA men’s volleyball players were celebrating a trip to the Final Four. The next, they were mourning the end of their season.

Bruins volleyball players huddle during their NCAA Tournament quarterfinal against UC Irvine. That’s how quickly the momentum shifted Saturday night after what appeared to be the winning point was wiped out by an official review during the Bruins’ NCAA Tournament quarterfinal against UC Irvine. Given new life, the unseeded Anteaters went on to complete the comeback, knocking off top-seeded UCLA, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 19-25, 16-14, at Pauley Pavilion.

How big of an upset was this? The Bruins (29-2) had lost just once previously this season, with their only other setback coming against Pepperdine a month ago. “Being honest,” said UCLA senior outside hitter Zach Rama, his eyes reddened with sadness, “I don’t think it’s anything any of us expected just because of how confident we are and our ability to play together.

I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet. ” Rama’s attack error on match point sparked a wild celebration for UC Irvine (20-8), which had trailed 8-4 in the fifth set and appeared momentarily beaten after an earlier match point had been awarded to the Bruins before being reversed. Anteaters coach David Kniffin said he was confident the replay would given his team the critical point because he had heard a UCLA player touch the ball on the play.