It's just the preseason, but the BYU men's volleyball team is making a statement.

Last week, BYU played well enough to be named the top NCAA school at a tournament in Canada and on Thursday, the Cougars cut down perennial powerhouse Pepperdine 30-22, 27-30, 30-24, 30-21 in an exhibition match at the Smith Fieldhouse. Several hundred fans showed to get an early look at a team talented enough to contend for a fourth national title.

Returning outside hitters Ivan Perez and Yosleyder Cala led the way with 18 and 15 kills, respectively, as BYU overcame 31 service errors.

"I've been really impressed with what the coaches have done," said BYU junior middle blocker Russell Holmes, who had eight kills and five block assists. "We're solid and making positive progress going into January. They (Pepperdine) also have a lot of changes and their depth is always good. It was a real good test for us and we're excited to match up with them."

BYU held Pepperdine to a minus-.042 hitting percentage in Game 1. After a Pepperdine hitting error, Trent Sorensen scored on a block for a 19-14 BYU lead, and the Cougars cruised the rest of the way, with Perez getting the game-winner.

Pepperdine powered back in Game 2, hitting .481 behind Paul Carroll and Jonathan Winder. Pepperdine took the lead at 8-7 on a Winder kill and led until BYU rallied to 22-20 on a kill from Cala and a Holmes block. But Pepperdine pulled away and John Parfitt won Game 2 with a kill.

BYU served better in Game 3 and took control when Cala launched three aces during one sequence. His third ace gave BYU a 19-17 lead and another Holmes block made it 24-20. Perez knocked down a kill for game point.

It was all BYU in Game 4. Back-to-back kills from Perez and Cala made the score 9-3 and Pepperdine never got closer. BYU substituted freely the rest of the way and Sorensen finished off the match with a kill.

"Serving is something we've addressed," said BYU coach Shawn Patchell, who shares the head coaching duties with Ryan Millar. "I think the guys were a little anxious, which is strange because we always play in the Fieldhouse. Playing Pepperdine is always going to get our nerves up. I was pleased with how we corrected some of the errors we were making."

Carroll led Pepperdine with 17 kills. BYU hit .373 and held Pepperdine to a .143 hitting percentage. The Cougars also out-blocked the Waves 10.0 to 5.5 and had 32 digs to Pepperdine's 24. The Cougars used three setters, including freshman Reed Chilton (36 assists), sophomore Chip Neff (18 assists) and freshman Yamil Perez (3 assists).

The two teams meet again tonight at 7. BYU's opens the 2007 on Jan. 5 against Cal Baptist in Provo.

Daily Herald Sports Editor Darnell Dickson can be reached at 344-2555 or by e-mail at ddickson@heraldextra.com.

Get all your BYU sports news at CougarBlue.com

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page C2.