Men's VolleyballSports

‘Niners sweep second consecutive match

The Long Beach State men’s volleyball team remained undefeated against non-conference opponents after sweeping Princeton 25-13, 25-9, 25-18 Tuesday night at the Walter Pyramid.

LBSU (4-4), have swept each of its last two matches, and continues to improve after a rough start in conference play.

‘Niners interim head coach Andy Read said the success of this team ultimately comes down to consistent play.

“It all comes down to can we make the right play again and again and again,” he said.

Princeton (0-2) remains winless this season, and have no relief in sight. The Tigers are in the midst of a tough 8-game road trip.

The ‘Niners defense proved too much for Princeton recording 11.5 blocks while holding the Tigers to a dismal .014 hitting percentage — the lowest of any LBSU opponent.

Princeton was held to just 20 kills, 20 assists, 19 digs and no aces — all lows for LBSU opponents so far this season.

Three Tigers were kept in negative hitting percentages including freshman outside hitter Cody Kessel who had led Princeton in kills during their season opener.

Once again senior opposite Jim Baughman led the LBSU attack. Baughman paced the ‘Niners with eight kills on an astounding .636 hitting percentage.

Baughman also tied a career high with 4 service aces on the match.

LBSU scored a staggering 11 points off of Baughman serves — by far the most points off of any other player in the match. Baughman serves sparked a 6-point and 5-point run for the ‘Niners both in the second set.

Baughman, sophomore outside hitter Brad Hemmerling, and senior middle blocker Ryan Meehan were all pulled in the third set in order to let the younger players get some playing time after it was clear that the match was safely in LBSU’s hands.

“We have a lot of skill on our bench,” said Read. “Can the guy who comes in upgrade us? I have no problem putting that guy in.”

Six LBSU subs came in and saw significant action during the match including sophomore opposite Ian Satterfield who tied a career high with 6 kills in just a single set.

The match was never in doubt with only one lead change the entire match that occurred early on in the third set after the LBSU substitutes had come in.

The ‘Niners now must prepare for a conference opponent in No. 10-ranked Cal State Northridge. The Matadors defeated them 3-2 earlier on in the season.

First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Walter Pyramid. 


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