Pac-Tending 12-20-06

"The game of volleyball is a game of streaks. I would say we were up, we let a streak go and that's how the game goes."

- Stanford setter Bryn Kehoe, after the Cardinal won the opening match against Nebraska in the NCAA championship, only to lose the next three.

The Creek almost had another champion to add to the list but Stanford was unable to get past Nebraska's home court advantage in the NCAA volleyball final, losing to the Huskers in four games.

Meanwhile at NCAA HQ, the Director's Cup standings were updated and there were eight Pac-10 schools in the top 81, led by perennial champion Stanford in the fourth slot.

Washington

In men's hoop, the Huskies beat Portland State to improve to 8-1 overall with a 53 RPI.

In women's hoop, Washington beat Gonzaga and Florida State to improve to 7-4 overall with a 35 RPI. Senior guard Cameo Hicks was named as the conference's player of the week.

In volleyball, the Huskies lost to fellow conference member Stanford in the NCAA semifinals.

California

Senior running back Byron Storer is not expected to play in the Holiday Bowl after breaking his arm.

In men's hoop, California beat Furman to improve to 8-3 overall with a 41 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Bears beat Long Beach State to move to 6-5 overall with a 18 RPI.

Oregon State

In men's hoop, the Beavers lost to LSU but beat Howard to move to 7-5 overall with a 252 RPI.

In women's hoop, Oregon State lost toCreighton and Drake to drop to 4-3 overall with a 275 RPI.

In women's soccer, assistant coach Heidi Slaymaker resigned to pursue an advanced degree at the University of British Columbia.

UCLA

In men's hoop, UCLA defeated Oakland and Longwood to remain undefeated at 10-0 overall with a 2 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Bruins lost to Baylor to drop to 6-6 overall with a 90 RPI.

In volleyball, UCLA lost to Nebraska in the NCAA semifinals.

WSU

Defensive coordinator Robb Akey became the new head coach at Idaho. The Cougars received verbal commitments from tight end Devin Frischknecht, defensive lineman Trey Henderson, defensive back Byron Davenport and offensive lineman Vaughn Lesuma.

In men's hoop, Wazzu beat Cal State-Northridge to improve to10-1 overall with a 68 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Cougars beat Northwestern State to improve to 4-6 overall with a 247 RPI

USC

The Trojans received a verbal commitment from offensive lineman Kris O'Dowd.

In men's hoop, the Trojans beat Bethune-Cookman and Charleston Southern to improve to 8-2 overall with a 103 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Women of Troy beat Prairie View A&M and Houston to improve to 6-4 overall with a 102 RPI.

Oregon

In men's hoop, the Ducks beat Eastern Washington and Idaho State to improve to 10-0 overall with an 25 RPI. Junior guard Bryce Taylor was named as the conference's player of the week.

In women's hoop, Oregon beat Drake but lost to Missouri State to move to 7-2 overall with an 82 RPI.

Arizona State

Two receivers Jamaal Lewis and Terry Richardson will not be academically eligible to play in the Hawai'i Bowl for Arizona State.

In men's hoop, the Sun Devils lost to Xavier to drop to 4-4 overall with a 305 RPI.

In women's hoop, ASU beat UC-Irvine and Texas Tech to improve to 10-1 overall with a 13 RPI.

Stanford

Stanford hired University of San Diego head coach Jim Harbaugh as the new head football coach.

In men's hoop, the Cardinal lost to Santa Clara to drop to 6-2 overall with a 118 RPI.

In women's hoop, Stanford defeated Utah to improve to 5-3 overall with an 11 RPI.

In volleyball, the Cardinal lost to Nebraska in the NCAA championship match.

Arizona

Junior running back Chris Henry has announced he will leave the football team to pursue a career in the NFL.

In men's hoop, the Wildcats beat Houston to improve to 8-1 overall with a 1 RPI.

In women's hoop, Arizona lost to Fresno State to drop to 6-6 overall with a 64 RPI.

In volleyball, UCLA beat Oklahoma and Hawai'i and will play Nebraska in the semifinal of the NCAA tournament.

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