UC Irvine will host the University of British Columbia-Okanagan in an exhibition match on Monday (Dec. 2) at 5:00 p.m. at the Bren Events Center. This will be the final tune-up before the Anteaters head to Provo, UT to officially start the season against Lewis (Jan. 6) and McKendree (Jan. 7). 

Before the season gets under way head coach David Kniffin gave some insight to the upcoming season. 

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW: 

THEY'RE BAAAACK
UCI returns the core of the lineup in 2023 highlighted by the dynamic duo of Francesco Sani and Hilir Henno. The pair have already started racking up the honors for 2023, being named to the Big West Preseason Coaches' Team. They were tabbed Big West first team as well as AVCA All-American honorable mention a year ago. 

Outside hitter Cole Gillis was third on the team in kills, averaging 2.15 per set. He also averaged 1.09 digs and had 25 aces.       

Connor Campbell and Doug Dahm return in the middle. Campbell, who saw action in 66 sets due to injury, averaged 1.06 blocks and 1.48 kills, while D. Dahm, who was one of only two Anteaters to play in every set last season, averaged 1.04 kills and 0.87 digs. 

"When looking at our most successful teams, it's when our passing lineup groves together and we are returning our entire passing lineup. Our pins and libero are all capable passers." 

"'Cesco is hitting the ball harder this year than he did last year. Connor Campbell is healthy which is exciting, and Cole Gillis just continues to get better." 

"A guy that is under the radar for people is Conner Dahm. He stepped into some really big situations last year and played great. If there are ever chaotic moments, it's nice to know there is a guy we can go to, in truly any position, and will play well."  

THE POWER OF POWER
Libero Cole Power returns to patrol the court defensively in 2023. The senior averaged 1.92 digs per set a year ago, which was fourth in the Big West. He posted a career-best 14 digs twice last season. 

"It was fun to watch Cole improve through the season and I also think it gives him confidence knowing that he had a year passing with those guys." 

NO ORDINARY JOE
Transfer Joe Karlous will step into the setter position this season after transferring from Pepperdine. The junior was named to the MPSF All-Freshman team in 2020 after ranking fourth in the MPSF with 7.40 assists per set average. He played in 13 matches for the Waves in 2021, recording 77 set assists and 16 digs. 

"Getting Joe and Cole Power reunited for that one-two touch is really special. They have so much history together and have a great relationship. You saw with the Shoji's at Stanford or Worsley's at Hawaii, when you get guys that are comfortable together and have been for years, its special." 

"Joe is a setter that has won at different levels and understands what that looks like."  

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Quickly fans will notice 6-10 opposite William D'Arcy. The freshman from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia was a member of the Australian U21 team that competed at the Asian Games and trained with the Senior Men's National Team. 

"Will is pretty exciting and will get on the court. He's just different, actually physically different than everyone else in the gym." 

Stefan Vartigov had an impressive performance in the exhibition this fall against Hawaii. The freshman middle blocker was a member of the Bulgarian Beach and Indoor National Team, winning a Bulgarian Championship in 2017 and 2018. 

"Stefan is a very capable, well rounded volleyball player." 

Maxim Grigoriev, a 6-4 middle blocker from Walnut Creek, Calif., will also be seen on the court. 

DEFEND THE BREN
UCI has posted a winning record at home all but the shortened 2020 season over the last six years. The Court 21 advantage will be important as UCI host the Big West Championship Apr. 20-22. 

The last time the Anteaters hosted a conference championship, UCI took down USC and Pepperdine to advance to the NCAA Championship in 2015. 

"The Bren is such a great volleyball facility. We have a 5,000-seat arena and it will sell out. I'm excited for a great volleyball environment, there is no bad seat in the house, it's intimate but its big and truly the perfect spectator-facility so I encourage UCI students and Irvine fans if you want to be there, get your tickets as soon as they go on sale."  

UCI will make its home debut on Jan. 13 hosting Emmanuel College before entertaining USC Jan. 18. Both matches start at 7:00 p.m. at the Bren Events Center.