ANTEATER DIGEST / ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Mike Rupp

Volleyball

Rupp had 30 kills and 10 digs to help the Anteaters upset second-ranked UCLA

Wednesday.

It was the first time Irvine has beaten the Bruins, having lost the previous 22 marches. Rupp, a senior outside hitter, is third in career kills at Irvine with 1,027.

THIS WEEK

Women’s basketball: Cindy Oparah, freshman forward, has ditched her Rapunzel-like hair style for a close crop. “Actually, my hair was only shoulder length,” Oparah said. “I used extensions. Still, they made the first cut and I said, ‘Oh my, what am I doing?’ ” She can afford a new hair style. Oparah can pocket her money next year instead of paying for tuition. She was rewarded with a basketball scholarship after a solid season. Irvine plays North Texas Wednesday in the first round of the Big West Conference tournament.

Track and field: Megan Rowe went a personal-best 35 feet 6 1/2 inches to win the triple jump at the Carl Rossi Relays at Claremont. The Anteaters host the All-Cal Challenge Cup Saturday. Field events begin at 8:30 a.m., running events at 11 a.m.

Men’s volleyball: The Anteaters host Cal State Northridge Wednesday and 14th-ranked Pacific Saturday. Both matches are in Crawford Hall at 7 p.m.

Women’s tennis: Irvine is in the New Mexico tournament, playing the host team Thursday, Colorado Friday and Houston Saturday.

Golf: The Anteaters compete in the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate tournament at Sandpiper in Goleta Thursday and Friday.

HOW TO REACH US

Eubanks can be reached at (714) 966-5780 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Foster can be reached at (714) 966-7834 or by e-mail at [email protected].