LOS ANGELES—The UCLA Bruins were without their head coach on Saturday night during their Sweet 16 match versus Marquette.

Head coach Jillian Ellis had received a red-card in the Bruins' second round match versus Colorado and was prohibited from roaming the sidelines in her team's following game.

Taking up the reigns was assistant coach Joe Mallia, who willingly admits that he was in-charge in title only.

"It was a unique situation for our program," Mallia said. "But (Ellis) prepared the team all week, and then the girls just went out and executed."

With the game plan already forged in their minds, many of the players barely registered that their head coach was even missing.

"I don't go off the field much (during the game). I'm in a zone, so I don't really notice anything different," said Bruins defender Jill Oakes. "But we knew (beforehand) that she wouldn't be there, so it was a motivating factor for us. We want to step up for her and make her proud."

While Ellis was relegated to a view from the stands, her players still had a sense that she was with them.

"We could feel her presence," said Bruins forward Iris Mora. "But at this point in the season, you have to find your motivations in yourself."

Whether Ellis' absence was an inspirational spark or not, her team advanced to the NCAA tournament quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over Marquette and ensured that she would get to sit on the bench at least one more time this season.

As for Mallia, the assistant was more than willing to step back into his more familiar role.

"This was temporary," Mallia said. "I'm excited to have the whole staff back for our next game."

As for his head coaching career, Mallia is content with holding on to his perfect 1-0 record.

"I guess I should just hang 'em up now."