The USC and UCLA women’s volleyball teams open this weekend, with the Trojans hosting the Baden Invitational and the Bruins at Loyola Marymount to play in the LMU Invitational.

At USC, the Trojans play Marquette on Friday at 8, followed by two Saturday matches, Santa Clara at 10 and UC Irvine at 8. All matches are at the Galen Center on campus.

The Bruins follow the same schedule pattern at LMU. They play Niagara at 4 on Friday, Illinois State at 9:30 and Loyola Marymount at 7 on Saturday.

The Trojans lead with sophomore Alyse Ford, junior Brittany Abercrombie, senior Taylor Whittingham and senior Elise Ruddins. Freshman Khaila Lanier, daughter of former NBA star Bob Lanier, is newcomer to watch on Coach Mick Haley’s team.

Senior Jordan Anderson, junior Reily Buechler, senior Claire Felix and senior Jennie Frager will determine how Bruin Coach Michael Sealy’s team fares.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com