A month ago, the No. 23 Arizona volleyball team went on the road and beat Oregon State University and No. 20 University of Oregon, both in five sets. Now, it’s time for the Beavers and Ducks to make the trek to Tucson. Oregon (18-7, 4-7 Pacific 10 Conference) is up first for the Wildcats (16-7, 5-5) on Friday night.

“”I think they’re definitely going to come out as a more aggressive team, especially after losing on their home court,”” said freshman Candace Nicholson.

Even though his players believe that Oregon will step it up a notch, Arizona head coach Dave Rubio doesn’t buy into the revenge factor playing a role.

“”I don’t believe in any of that stuff,”” Rubio said. “”I believe that the team that executes the best is the team that’s going to win. I don’t care if there’s revenge on their mind. It all comes down to that.””

Nicholson and Rubio are on the same page when it comes to execution.

“”As long as we play our game and keep our errors low, I think we have the ability to beat anyone,”” she said.

After having to deal with Oregon, the Wildcats will have to avoid a letdown against Oregon State (8-17, 1-10).

Even though the Beavers’ record might not scream competitiveness, OSU is still a Pac-10 school with Pac-10 athletes.

“”Obviously the biggest fear for me is a letdown against Oregon State,”” Rubio said. “”They’re physical, and they can play against anybody.””

Because the Wildcats are now in the second round of Pac-10 play, they have a better idea of what they’re going to see every night, which could lead to better execution.

“”I’m sitting here looking at my scouting report, and (Oregon State) is the best 1-10 team in the country,”” Rubio continued. “”They’re really, really good.””

Facing “”really, really good”” teams is just par for the course in the Pac-10. Of the league’s 10 teams, seven are in the AVCA Coaches’ Poll top-25.

However talented Oregon State might be, senior libero Danielle Holloway isn’t concerned about an Arizona letdown against the Beavers.

Holloway said she wasn’t worried.

“”If we can continue to practice hard and have the right mindset, we know what we need to get done,”” Holloway said. “”Obviously we have the confidence from beating them on the road, so I don’t think we should or will let down at all.””

Both Friday and Saturday’s matches are scheduled for 7 p.m.