‘Eaters given NCAA berth

The UC Irvine women’s volleyball team was awarded its second straight

berth into the 64-team NCAA tournament and will open Friday against

Arizona at the University of San Diego.

The Anteaters (18-10), who tied for fourth in the Big West

Conference, were among six Big West teams to receive invitations.

Arizona (18-10) will be the home team for Friday’s 6 p.m. match,

the winner of which will advance to meet either San Diego (22-4) or

New Mexico State (30-2).

“We’re excited about earning a tournament bid for the second year

and we’re excited to play locally in San Diego because our fan base

will be a factor,” UCI Coach Charlie Brande said.

UCI defeated Missouri in the first round last year at UCLA, after

receiving the school’s first NCAA bid in 15 seasons. UCI then lost to

No. 7 UCLA.

Arizona, which finished sixth in the Pac-10, is making its ninth

straight postseason appearance.

The Anteaters are led by senior outside hitter Kelly Wing, a

first-team All-American as a junior who was recently named Big West

Player of the Year.