Beach takes Two

The Long Beach State women’s volleyball team defeats both of their opponents during a critical stretch in their conference schedule.

Coming into town was perhaps the Big West Conference’s most difficult traveling partners in UCSB and Cal Poly.  Over the years these two programs have been a thorn in the 49ers side, and both were poised to end the 49ers current winning streak at four.

First up was the UCSB Gauchos who entered the Waters Pyramid feeling pretty good about themselves after defeating nationally ranked UCI; however, the 49ers had plans of their own sending the lady Gauchos home with a 3-2 loss.

Long Beach State was led down the stretch by their senior All-American Naomi Washington.  During the critical 5th game, Washington, who has been bothered by a sore neck, put down seven big kills leading the Beach to a 25-18, 25-22, 20-25, 18-25, 15-11 victory.

Head Coach Brian Gimmillaro had nothing put praise for his senior, “She was in a lot of pain and I told our team that we may have to win it without her, but she gutted it out and decided to take over.”

The second night brought in a very young and talented Cal Poly Mustang team boasting a freshman class ranked in the top 20 nationally.

As with their previous opponent the lady 49ers set them home with a loss, but this time in straight sets:  25-21, 25-19, 25-15.

Defense was the key this night as the team held Cal Poly to a .115 hitting percentage, while recording 57 digs during the process; leading the way was Ashley Lee with 16.

“We have been working hard on defense, “ Lee said.  “We just work as a team.  As long as we have teamwork and play hard for each other it will go the right way.”

The Long Beach State 49ers will now hit the road with two conference games in Northern California against Pacific and UCD.  Both of these teams are ranked in the top half of the conference, and will be looking to establish themselves as conference title contenders.

The following images were taken during  during both matches: