The anticipation is electric. No. 1 UCLA is set to launch their 2026 campaign this Friday against No. 15 McKendree. The Bruins? They're not just defending champs; they're making this a habit. Three straight NCAA Championship final appearances. Four consecutive Final Fours. This isn't just a match. It's a statement.
UCLA's All-American Arsenal
Let's talk firepower. Andrew Rowan, the Bruins' setter, is back. This guy led UCLA to a .364 hitting percentage last season, ranking second nationally. Not to mention his 10.08 assists per set. That's not normal.
Then there's Zach Rama, a second-team All-American who racked up 319 kills with a .318 hitting percentage. When he gets going, it's lights out for opponents. And don't forget Cameron Thorne. The middle blocker hit .521 last season, fifth-best all-time for a single season. He's a Ryan Millar Award winner and a defensive wall with 103 blocks. Straight up dominant.
McKendree's Challenge
Now, McKendree isn't coming to Pauley Pavilion just to watch the show. They're ranked No. 15 for a reason. This matchup? It's more than just a test. It's a chance to see if they can hang with the big dogs. But let's be real. With UCLA's depth and experience, McKendree has their work cut out for them.
