Sports

THE FRESHNESS: UC Irvine men's volleyball this season has been a true pleasure. I have written in the past about how much I enjoy these matches I cover for the New University, but last week was truly a joy to watch. These guys, men, specimens, beasts, whatever you prefer to call them, are without a doubt providing me with my most memorable year as a student here at our glorious UCI. This may tread on the line of man-love, but I can't help it; these dudes are the illest.

VOLLEYBALL: The ‘Eaters put a dagger in the Trojans Wednesday, but lose to No. 3 Pepperdine Friday.

BASEBALL: Anteaters handle Hawaii 3-1 in weekend series in Honolulu. Bibona and Larson go off.

BASEBALL: The Anteater baseball team is ranked ninth in the nation and is on a road to redemption.

volleyball: No.1 men's team survives a scare with a five-set win over No.12 UC Santa Barbara at home.

BASKETBALLl: Women's basketball has a tough time against UC Davis and comes up short against Pacific.

BASKETBALLl: Men's team drops two games on its trip up north. Bland records sixth double-double.

THE SWAGGER: It seems like the LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant debate is all over the sports world today. Heck, I wrote my column about it just two weeks ago. But since Kobe's 61- point slashing of the Knicks and LeBron's almost triple-double performance in New York, the blogs have been going crazy. It is safe to call this relationship between the two players an official rivalry. And rivalries are one of the best things about sports...

THE FRESHNESS: I have witnessed two different ways to get blacked out at the Bren Events Center. One way will allow you to enjoy the benefits of being a student at a Division One sporting event. The other will get you kicked out of that same sporting event. You make the choice.

BASKETBALL: Men's team defeats Cal Poly at home, but falls to UCSB on Saturday at the Bren Events Center.

BASKETBALL: Dutch phenom Rebecca Maessen loves computers and basketball.

TENNIS: Men's team looks to bounce back after 0-2 start behind freshman Steve Henderson.