The Long Beach State men’s volleyball team is ready to begin the spring season at the Insbrook Resort Invitational in Clearwater, Fla., Dec. 28 through 31.
Head coach Alan Knipe said the players have “improved individually and physically” and he sees great potential in this year’s newcomers. Now that most of the players have a year under their belt, they’re ready to take on the new season as a physically stronger and more confident team.
LBSU men’s volleyball had a tough season last year by record. The team was young and consisted of mostly freshmen. The men went 11-17 with a 6-16 conference record in the ultra-competitive Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. The 49ers had previously made it to the NCAA Tournament every year since 1994, but broke the 12-year streak in 2007. This was the team’s first non-appearance in the post-season in the seven years Knipe has been coaching for the 49ers.
In 2007, the 49ers had an attack percentage of .265 and an average 14.8 kills per game. They also averaged 14 assists, 1.1 aces, eight digs and 2.8 blocks per game.
“Most of the guys had no experience; it was their first year,” Knipe said. “They are a much more physical team [this year].”
Knipe said workouts have become important in the offseason. With such young players, physical development is important to be able to compete at a Division I level, and the 49ers have definitely been spending time in the weight room.
“These are young males, 18 to 22 [years old],” Knipe said. “[They’re] tall and lengthy guys.”
Knipe said the team is looking forward to the upcoming Insbrook Resort Invitational where, the 49ers will compete against four Canadian teams. The Canadian teams will be at the end of their season – a big challenge for LBSU, which its just beginning its season.
“I’m excited about it because it will force us to play at a higher level,” Knipe said. “[It’s] a good barometer to play teams that are cohesive.”
Knipe will be entering his eighth year as coach of the 49ers and said he is always evolving as a coach just as the game itself continues to change.
“[The] game is always changing,” Knipe said. “[There are] different rules and new positions.”
Yet his goals have never changed. One goal he has every year is for the team to play that last game and challenge themselves to be the best.
As the team moves into January it will be up against top-ranked MPSF schools USC, UC Irvine, Hawaii, UCLA, Pacific and Pepperdine.
“One game isn’t more important than the next,” Knipe said. “The only game that matters is the next one [and that’s] the way you have to approach the league.”
Meet the team
Hitters
Senior outside hitter Paul Lotman returns to captain the team this season. An All-American candidate, Lotman started in all the team’s matches last season and led the 49ers almost across the board. Lotman had a team-leading 4.51 kills per game on a .308 attack clip, 176 digs, 34 service aces and 496 kills. Lotman finished tied for ninth in the country in kills per game and eighth in points per outing (5.29). He also finished third on the team with 96 blocks and was named honorable mention all-MPSF.
“He’s an All-American candidate,” Knipe said, “A complete volleyball player.”
During the summer, Lotman competed for the U.S. Men’s Team at the World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand, providing national team experience that adds to Lotman’s veteran presence. Senior co-captain Adam Schlesinger is a double threat this year. Schlesinger will continue to be a backup setter this season, but will also move over to the left side to hit as well. Schlesinger appeared in 13 games last season and earned 63 assists. He had a career-high 47 assists against CS Northridge.
“[Adam’s] doing a great job’and has a good mindset,” Knipe said. “[He’s] serious about setter/opposite and has worked extremely hard.”
Knipe said he also sees great potential in freshman hitters Kyle Friend and Josh Riley.
“[Friend’s] a smart volleyball player and good passer with a really good arm,” Knipe said. “[He’s] a smart hitter and a few years beyond his age.”
“[Riley] is such a good athlete and competitor,” Knipe said. “[He] finds a way to help the team win and doesn’t care about being the best.”
Sophomore Dean Bittner was recently moved from middle blocker to the left side. He appeared in 99 games last season, averaging 2.65 kills and 0.99 blocks per game and putting in a career-high 21 kills against cross county MPSF rival UCLA.
“He puts up a big block,” Knipe said.
Others to watch for: Sophomore Tommy Pestolesi and junior Gavin Christensen.
Blockers
Sophomore blocker Dan Alexander redshirted his freshman year and missed most of last season due to a back injury. In 2007 he appeared in 71 games, averaging 2.01 kills and 1.23 blocks per game while hitting .375. Now healthy, Alexander should bring depth to the net.
“[Dan’s] a really good volleyball player,” Knipe said. “[Because of injuries] he was playing on pure athleticism.”
Others to watch for: sophomores Luke Shea and Daniel Fabry.
Setters
Sophomore Connor Eaton will return to his starting position after a strong freshman campaign. In 2007, Eaton finished ninth in the country with 12.57 assists per game, and fifth in MPSF matches, averaging 12.62. Eaton’s 1, 194 total assists put him solidly at No. 3 all-time for LBSU freshman setters.
Knipe said he has already seen improvement from Eaton, as well as freshman setter Mike Klipsch.
Back Row
Junior libero Dustin Watten appeared in 99 games and averaged 1.69 digs per game. Watten will take over the back row duties full-time this season.
“Dustin has had a really good fall, [playing] a solid defense,” Knipe said. “[He’s] been passing the ball extremely well.”
Freshman Kory Matsukado will also be added to the mix this season after redshirting in 2007.
