EUGENE - The No. 11 University of Oregon vollebyall team looks forward to an action-packed weekend against a pair of top-10 teams, and have been busy preparing for 7 p.m. matches vs. No. 5 UCLA and No. 4 USC, Friday and Saturday.

This week's practices have also featured eight Duck players testing new Nike volleyball uniform protoypes. Former Oregon player and Nike employee Lauren Westendorf and three other designers / product testers came to McArthur Court to evaluate the uniforms' performance during practice this week and gathered took specific feedback from the players. Later at the end of the testing period, the UO team will provide more data about the new uniforms that will be unveiled next year with special Duck colors.

Duck fans might have already noticed that the UO team's uniforms are unique since they favor playing with long sleeves while many other teams switch between long and short sleeves. Players have noted that they like the arm-length light dry-fit fabric which adds a little warmth in gyms that are cool, but are light enough to still be comfortable in warmer gyms.

Here's what several players had to say about the uniform tops and the special material.

Neticia Enesi, Junior Middle Blocker
"The long sleeve is nice, especially because it's great at drying the sweat, especially off your forearms. We get spoiled because of our relationship with Nike, and we are thankful of the cutting edge, one-of-a-kind stuff we receive. If you were to hear about it as a recruit, it's a neat selling point. You're not supposed to base your judgment on something like that, but every little bit helps."

Sonja Newcombe, Junior, Outside Hitter
"Using a special mesh on the side was a great idea because it made it really comfortable. The potential color scheme with the three colors is neat, and different than before and what other teams have. We laughed a little when the designer told us that she tried to create something that had both elements of fashion yet was as tough as a motorcycle jacket, but that's true. (Laughing) She was right in saying that we want to be seen as women even though we're part warrior, in some respect."

Dana Stephenson, Freshman, Outside Hitter
"I also really liked the special mesh fabric that they used on the side - I found myself several times unintentionally wiping my hands off there because it was so absorbent, but it never got soaked, either. Overall, it was cool to be a part of the process, being able to talk to the designer, and the testers and hearing about the process of the initial inspiration and then trying to actually create them." 

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