49ers lose to USD

Long Beach State women’s volleyball slow out of the gate in lose to USD.

The LBSU women’s volleyball team’s home opener was not the type of night they envisioned just a few hours earlier.  The lady 49ers went down 3-1 (24-26, 25-15, 22-25, 22-25) to an equally unimpressive University of San Diego team.

Long Beach State held the 15th ranked Torres to a .147 hitting percentage, but they were also plagued by poor hitting themselves, ending the evening hitting just .134.  In fact, between the two teams, the 49ers Naomi Washington, who finished the night hitting .303 with 12 kills, was the only player with more then 7 swings to hit above .300.

A what if moment took place late in the first set.  After battling back from an earlier deficit, the 49ers held two match points (24-22); however, as what frequently happens early in the season with inexperienced teams, unforced errors started to pile up.  The Beach committed three in a row giving away the very important first set, and ultimately the match.

Outside of the consistent and predictable play of Naomi Washington, another bright spot was the play of Lauren Minkel.  The rookie libero was very steady in the back row leading the team with 18 digs.

Things do not get any easier as a very physical and talent Texas squad enters the Walter Pyramid tonight.  The 2nd ranked Longhorns return the majority of their starters off last season Final Four team.