The Denver Pioneers deserve all of Cal Poly’s attention. They’ll get it, but knuckleheads like me can’t stop thinking about a potential Cal Poly vs. UCLA second-round matchup in the 2017 NCAA Volleyball Tournament.

After winning the Big West and going undefeated in conference play, Cal Poly earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. For sophomore Torrey Van Winden, a transfer from UCLA, the location of the first and potential second-round games is familiar — Pauley Pavilion.

Torrey, whose sister Adlee is a junior on the team, grew up with senior setter Taylor Nelson. In fact, their mothers played together in the mid-80’s at Cal Poly.

Last time @CalPolyVolley made the NCAA's, it was 2007 and Jon Stevenson was head coach. They swept Xavier and Purdue before losing to Stanford in three sets in the Sweet 16. #RideHigh #GoMustangs

— Max Milander (@MustangMax1) November 27, 2017

Torrey played at UCLA last season, but transferred to Cal Poly in the summer. She talked about feeling at home in San Luis Obispo this season and also about maybe having something to prove with the Mustangs.

First up is Denver, though. Out of the Summit League, the Pioneers had their highest ever final RPI this year at 55. Cal Poly’s RPI sits at 16. If they win, an 18-10 UCLA team is a likely opponent. 

If you’re in Los Angeles, this Cal Poly team is really fun to root for. Get to Pauley Pavilion on Friday night. You won’t be disappointed. 

Game time: Friday, 5:30pm