Top-ranked ‘Eaters claim tourney title

GOLETA — The UC Irvine men’s volleyball team, ranked No. 1 in the nation, validated such esteem by winning the 43rd annual Elephant Bar Invitational, completed Saturday at UC Santa Barbara.

The Anteaters (4-0) swept reigning NCAA champion UCLA, 30-22, 30-26, 30-23, in the title match, behind tournament MVP Brian Thornton.

Thornton, a senior setter who earned All-American honors as a junior, recorded 45 assists and triggered an attack that produced an impressive .372 hitting percentage.

UCI seniors Matt Webber and Jayson Jablonsky were named to the all-tournament team after recording 12 and 11 kills, respectively, in the final.

Junior middle blocker Aaron Harrell hit .571 with nine kills against No. 3-ranked UCLA, while freshman Cole Reinholm and senior David Smith chipped in eight kills each. Smith hit .500 and had five total blocks.

Sophomore libero Brent Asuka had a match-high 14 digs.

UCI swept each of its three matches in the event, handling No. 6 UCSB and No. 9 Cal State Northridge on Friday.

UCSB defeated Northridge to claim third place.

UCI plays host to Hawaii Friday and Saturday in the Bren Events Center.