UC Irvine is armed and dangerous

Volleyball critics agree that a UC Irvine match will provide excellent service.

Entering tonight’s match against Hawaii, the second-ranked Anteaters are the nation’s serving leaders with 1.86 aces per set.

Left-side hitter Jeremy Dejno has a team-high 16 aces, and opposite attacker Carson Clark is second nationally with 0.48 aces per set.

"I’m telling you," UCI coach John Speraw said, "we haven’t even scratched the surface. We should be a far better serving team than we are now. I think this team can be a great serving team."

In particular, Speraw said, left-side hitter Kevin Tillie has not fully capitalized on his strong arm.

"He has the ability to become a great server," Speraw said. "He’s not there yet."

Trying to pass the Anteaters’ sizzling serves is just one item on the Warriors’ to-do list. Speraw, who was raised in the UCLA system, has developed a deep and talented roster in his 10 seasons at UCI.

While Clark is the finisher, there are four attackers for the two left-side positions, and three players for the two middle spots.

"We have our deepest team since I’ve been here," Speraw said. "In terms of total athleticism, this might be our most athletic team. That doesn’t mean we’re the best team we’ve had. But in terms of those two areas — depth and athleticism — we’re in a pretty good place."

In recent years, the Anteaters have run the quickest offense in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Part of that was the passing; part was the attackers’ abilities to finish hittable sets. When in system, the Anteaters can attack from five of the six rotation spots.

"It’s one thing to have ball movement," UH coach Charlie Wade said. "But they have good arms, and they’ll run it fast. They will run the back-row (attack) more than any other team in the league. You’re looking, in some situations, five attackers."

Speraw said the offensive pace has not been as quick as it was in the past while inconsistent connections are being synchronized. Speraw said last week’s bye and competitive practices have been helpful.

For now, the Anteaters will rely on disruptive serves.

"They absolutely will put pressure from the service line," Wade said. "They’ll get after it. For them, it’s getting those arms in the game and serving. That’s probably more of a concern than the speed of their offense."

The Warriors, meanwhile, have found balance after installing Taylor Averill at opposite attacker. Averill and left-side hitter Steven Hunt are providing a back–row attack that had been lacking earlier in the season.