Rubenstein leads Pepperdine by example as Waves climb ranks
by Dave Reed
ESPN.com
Oct. 1, 2008

The Pepperdine women's volleyball team is undefeated and on a steady rise in the national rankings, due in large part to the leadership and play of senior outside hitter Julie Rubenstein.

The Waves began the season just outside the Ameican Volleyball Coaches Association Top 25, but have used victories over Colorado State (then ranked No. 17), Oregon State (Pac-10) and Missouri (Big 12) to make their climb in the poll. Pepperdine has lost only three sets all season, but was forced to a fifth set in a match on Sept. 7.

With the match on the line at Oregon State, the Waves huddled up before the fifth set and Rubenstein calmly directed her team to stay focused on the play on its side of the court.

Then Rubenstein did what she does best: She led by example. Seven of her match-high 31 kills came in the fifth set, including the final three to nail down the victory.

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