THIS WEEK
Non-Conference Matches

Concordia at UC Irvine  · Wednesday, Jan. 2 · 7:00 p.m. PT · Crawford Court

UC Santa Barbara Invitational - Santa Barbara, Calif.
Cal Baptist vs UC Irvine  · Friday, Jan. 4 · 10:00 a.m. PT
UC Irvine vs Long Beach State/Loyola Chicago  · Friday, Jan. 4 · 10:00 a.m. PT
UC Irvine vs TBA  · Saturday, Jan. 5 · TBA

QUICK HITS

UCI will open with an exhibition match against Cal Baptist Wednesday (Jan. 2) at 7:00 p.m. in Crawford Court.

The Anteaters will then travel to the UC Santa Barbara Invitational Friday and Saturday (Jan. 4-5). Matches will be played in the Thunderdome on Friday and Robertson Gym on Satuirday.

UCI begins the tournament against Cal Baptist at 10:00 a.m. on Friday then takes on either Long Beach State or Loyola Chicago in the night cap at 7:30 p.m. Satirday's opponent and match time depend on Friday's results.

The Anteaters have won the tournament title twice, capturing the crown in 2003, 2007 and 2012.

Last year, UCI beat Long Beach State, BYU and UCLA to clinch the championship.

Outside hitter Jeremy Dejno was named the Most Valuable Player of last year's event.

UCI begins the season ranked No. 1 in both the AVCA and MPSF Preseason Coaches Polls.

UCI recived all 16 first place votes in the AVCA poll.

The Anteaters are coming of a 26-5 overall record in 2012.

UCI won its third national championship in the last six years with a 3-1 vctory over USC at the Galen Center.