THE PREPS : Nihipali Makes Early Commitment to UCLA

Amy Nihipali, a junior middle blocker on the Esperanza girls’ volleyball team, orally committed Friday to attend UCLA in fall, 1997. Nihipali cannot sign an official letter of intent until February, 1997, and UCLA officials cannot comment on her commitment until that time.

Nihipali, 6 feet 2, is a three-year starter for Esperanza and was a first-team All-Sunset League selection last season.

UCLA won NCAA titles in 1984, 1990 and 1991, under 29-year Coach Andy Banachowski. Nihipali’s older brother, Paul, also played for Esperanza and is a junior on the Bruin men’s team, which won its 16th NCAA title last season.