From Big West Reports

Ledoux Captures First Big West Honor Of New Season

Caitlin Ledoux was named Baden Classic MVP last weekend after leading Long Beach State to a perfect 4-0 record in its home tournament. The season-opening performance also landed her Big West Women’s Volleyball Player of the Week honors, the third of her career.

The Phlean, Calif., native recorded double-digit kills in every match while leading the 49ers in kills in all four of their matches. Ledoux, who totaled 64 kills on the week, also hit over .250 in every match and .347 overall on the weekend.

In Long Beach State’s upset win over No. 25 Saint Mary’s, she tallied a .308 hitting percentage and registered a season-best 26 kills, eight digs and six blocks.

For the week, Ledoux averaged 4.57 kills, 1.71 digs and 0.79 blocks per set.

Link, Kingsborough Sweep Weekly Honors For Long Beach State

Nadia Link and Emily Kingsborough played vital roles in leading Long Beach State to a successful 3-0 week, including two wins against top 25 programs, which earned them Big West Women’s Soccer Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week plaudits.

Link Scores Four Goals In Three 49er Victories

Sophomore Nadia Link (Rowland Heights, Calif./Walnut HS) was a goal scoring machine in leading Long Beach State to a 3-0 record, including a pair of wins against top 25 teams, to earn Big West Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honors.

The forward scored four goals in the three wins and accounted for the game-winning goal against Fresno State and No. 16 Virginia Tech.

Link broke a scoreless tie with an 89th minute goal in the 1-0 Fresno State triumph. At the Aggieland Invitational Tournament, she scored the first goal in an eventual 2-1 victory against No. 21 Washington State. Link finished off the week with both goals in a 2-1 win against the Hokies. She notched four goals on nine shots and leads the Big West in both categories.

Kingsborough Plays Like Royalty In Wins Over Two Ranked Clubs

Junior Emily Kingsborough (Santa Rosa, Calif./Ursuline HS) played all 270 minutes and earned the win in goal in all three Long Beach State victories to capture Big West Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

Kingsborough posted a 0.67 goals against average for the week, making 13 saves and allowing just two goals. She posted a shutout and made four saves in a 1-0 victory at Fresno State Monday. Kingsborough then stopped five shots in a 2-1 victory against No. 21 Washington State. She concluded the week with four more stops in another 2-1 win against No. 16 Virginia Tech. She collected an .867 save percentage for the week.

“Those were two great goals,” Ingrassia said. “If you are going to get beat, it’s better to get beat on goals like that rather than by something soft.”

Throughout the match the Cougars were the more physical team utilizing their athletic ability and over all experience to dominate the 49ers in the midfield.  This was not totally unexpected as BYU  practically returned their entire team that participated in last season’s NCAA tournament and  are picked to win the Mountain West Conference this season.

“This was as positive as a loss could be. We looked like we belonged on the field for large parts of the game. I thought we were much better than we were against San Diego State,” said LBSU coach Mauricio Ingrassia.,

The team now travels to Fresno State for a Monday evening match against the Western Athletic Conference member.  The Bulldogs opened the season with a 2-0 loss to Pepperdine.

For the most part, these five freshman will be competing with some of the returning players trying to fill the void left by departing seniors Naomi Washington (left side) and Britney Herzog (middle). From my observations, and from speaking with other fans/boosters I respect, it appears that freshman Delainey and Haleigh may have the early jump on the two open positions.  However, as we all know, predictions made after only a weeks worth of practices do not amount to a “hill of beans”, especially when they were not made by the coaching staff!

It’s time to meet the incoming freshman class (bios from LBSU reports).

Chelsea Cabrajac

Warren High School: A four-year letter winner in volleyball with the Bears … Also lettered in soccer as a freshman before focusing on volleyball … Earned second-team all-league honors … San Gabriel Valley league runner-up for three years before leading Warren to the league championship as a senior … Reached the CIF semifinals as a senior in 2009 … A three-time first-team All-League selection … First-team All-CIF two times … Named the San Gabriel Valley League MVP as a senior.

Personal: Parents are Michael and Christie Cabrajac … Uncle David Main played baseball at Pepperdine … Majoring in engineering.

Practice Observations: Chelsea has surprised many in her overall skill level since she came into the program without a lot of publicity.  The walk-on utility player has shown a good understanding of the game, which enables her to do very well at a multitude of positions.  It appears Coach Gimmillaro is trying her out on the left side and possibly as a back row specialist.  As one observer put it, “Chelsea does not catch your eye right away but as more time passes you notice she does so many things pretty darn well… very steady and consistent”.

Delainey Aigner-Swesey

Serrano High School: A four-year letter winner in volleyball at Serrano High School … led the Diamondbacks to four straight Mojave River League championships … Earned all-league honors as a sophomore, junior and senior … Named the Mojave River MVP as a senior … Also earned MVP honors in the league’s all-star game … Played with current 49er Caitlin Ledoux.

Personal: Parents are Scot Swesey and Anita Aigner … Grandfather Dennis Aigner was a volleyball player at UCLA and UC Berkeley … A 2010 honors graduate from Serrano High School … Majoring in biology.

Practice Observations: When I watch Delainey practice it is hard for me to believe that she is just a freshman with only one week’s worth of practices behind her.  As a booster put it, “when Brian talks to her he is already talking about refinements that are not usually made until a players sophomore year.  She really is advanced at this stage of the game”.  One thing that stands out to me beyond her skill level is her even and calm demeanor.  It appears that nothing rattles her and this trait allows her to absorb all the new techniques the coaching staff is teaching her.  I can safely predict that Delainey will be in the rotation at left side when the season opens in two weeks.

Haleigh Hampton

Huntington Beach High School: Led the Oilers to a league championship while lettering in volleyball … Also a two-year letter winner in water polo … A three-time All-Seaview League selection in volleyball … An All-Orange County pick in 2008 and 2009 … A first-team All-CIF selection as a senior … A member of the junior national team for the USA … Earned a gold medal in the 2010 NORCECA championships with Team USA … Named to the All-Tournament Team at the championships … Earned the “Best Blocker” award as well … Also an All-Tournament Team member with Cal Juniors at the Junior Olympic club competition … An honors graduate from HBHS.

Personal: Parents are Tay and Thea Hampton … Has two siblings that competed at Biola College … Brother Rocky played basketball while sister Tavea played volleyball … Majoring in Journalism.

Practice Observations: I have watched Haleigh play a handful of times during her club ball career and knew LBSU was getting a top notch middle; however, I could not have been more surprised when I saw her on campus during workouts.  She looks so much more explosive now and both her blocking and hitting skills have taken a huge leap forward.  I have especially been impressed with her ability to attack from the back row.  Haleigh will make an immediate impact and has the ability down the road to be LBSU’s next All-American.

Kiri Hirini

Bethlehem College: A three-sport star at Bethlehem, lettering in volleyball, netball, and swimming … In swimming was the region winner in the backstroke and the freestyle … led the netball team to a runner-up finish in the region … In volleyball, started with a ninth place finish in the Division 1 High School national championships as a sophomore, then led the team to a fifth place finish as a junior and a championship finals appearance in her senior season … Earned All-Tournament Team honors are the New Zealand High School Nationals … Named the All-Around Maori Sportswoman in 2007 and 2008 … Also selected as the Top Sport Woman at Bethlehem College in 2009 … Played beach volleyball with the New Zealand national team … Competed in the U19 world championships in Turkey in 2009 … Reached the Top 8 in the New Zealand Beach Tour … Also a member of the junior national indoor volleyball team … A member of both the U17 and U19 teams … Won the women’s New Zealand national club championship with the Tauranga Women’s club in 2008.

Personal: Parents are John and Jane Hirini … Earned Top of Year honors in 2008 and 2009 in secondary school … Major is undeclared.

Practice Observations: Kiri is competing for the open middle blocker position.  She is working really hard at learning what is expected out of a middle at LBSU, and that can be challenging at times.  She is a hard worker that always has a smile on her face. Brian is paying a lot of attention to her which usually means he sees something in a player.  Kiri is probably down the depth chart right now, but she has the raw abilities to make it in the lineup as she matures throughout the season.

Ashley Vazquez

Prior to Long Beach State: Played for the Puerto Rico Junior National Team, spending six years with the program … Named the MVP at the JVDA Championships in Kentucky (U18) … Also led the Puerto Rican team in percentage at the NORCECA championships.

Colegio Catolico Notre Dame: A four-year letter winner in volleyball … Led the Knights to two league championships and reached the finals three times … Went undefeated as a senior, going 18-0 … A four-time All-Star for the Puerto Rico High School Athletic Alliance (PRHSAA) … Also named a four-time MVP … A four-time recipient of Colegio Catolico’s outstanding athlete award.

Personal: Parents are Eduardo Vazquez and Sandra Sanchez … Brother Ryan plays volleyball in Puerto Rico for Turabo University … Majoring in Journalism.

Practice Observations: Ashley is competing for both the setter and right side hitter positions.  She has shown to have soft hands and has the ability to put the ball where the hitters need it.  As usual, Coach Gimmillaro retools all of his players and Ashley had to make a lot of adjustments, but she has shown a great attitude and a willingness to learn.  In the last few days a significant improvement has been made in both her blocking and hitting effectiveness.  After a few more weeks of practice Vazquez should be in a good position to compete for some real playing time.  Ashley has the potential to be a future starter at both the setter and right side position.

The Say No Classic’s championship season started this weekend and one of the playoff bound teams have two Long Beach State 49ers playing prominent roles.  Both Larry Anderson and Tristan Wilson have been tearing it up this summer on team Power Balance and the first round of the playoffs was no exception.   Tristan had an exceptional game leading his team in both points (29) and rebounds (8), while Larry was aggressively taking the rock to the hole chipping in 26 of his own.   If this game was any indication of what to expect from these two players and their 49er teammates this season, this year’s version of 49er basketball should be a very good one with a trip to the big dance a strong possibility.

The following pictures were taken at the game: Ballin’ at Da Beach – Flickr

Long Beach State University Women’s Basketball 2009-2010 from Lissa Lawrence on Vimeo.

Combining both classes, The Beach will have 6 new faces when pactice opens in the fall.  Expectations will be high next season as the majority of the LBSU fans will not be satisfied with anything less then a conference championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament.

From Long Beach State reports

Long Beach State men’s basketball coach Dan Monson announced today (May 5) the signing of three players to National Letters of Intent. Edis Dervisevic (Western Texas College), Khalid Gerard (Technical Career Institutes) and Corey Jackson (Fashion Institute of Technology) will join the 49ers for the 2010-11 season.

“Hopefully they can add a championship to the team,” Monson said. “We have been very close to winning the league the last couple of years. Hopefully these three have enough experience and can help us. Offensively it gives us some different ways to play. Last year we didn’t quite have enough offense to win a championship in this league and I think all three of them bring different elements to that.”

Below are capsules on the three players:

Edis Dervisevic, F, 6-8, 245, Jr., Bronx, N.Y. (Savior Lutheran HS/Western Texas College)

Played two seasons at Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas … As a freshman averaged 7.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, while making 59 percent of field goal attempts and 48.3 percent of 3-pointers … Finished fifth in the WJCAC Region 5 in field goal percentage making 72-of-122 shots … Scored in double digits six times, including a 21-point game and a 20-point game … Battled an assortment of injuries as a sophomore while averaging 5.2 points per game … Junior college coach was Jason Sautter.

Coach Monson says: “He is the best passing big man that we have had. He gives us a different dimension in there which you are always looking for, guys who can play different than what you already have. He can impact our team a great deal offensively without even scoring because he has a great feel for the game, he is a great post passer, he’s a banger who gives a physical presence in there and yet he can step out and hit threes to stretch the defense which we haven’t had. I just like his skill set offensively because he is different than any of our other big guys.”

Khalid Gerard, G, 6-4, 210, Jr., St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (Charolette Amalie HS/Technical Career Institutes)

Played two seasons at Technical Career Institutes in New York City where he earned first-team All-Region 15 honors as a sophomore and honorable mention all-region recognition as a freshman … Finished sophomore season sixth in the NJCAA in scoring, while ranking fourth in the country in 3-point percentage … During career had 12 games with at least 30 points and two games with at least 40 points … Scored a career-best 48 points, while also scoring 43 points in a game … Made nine 3-pointers twice during career and seven 3-pointers four times … As a sophomore averaged 23.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, while making 49 percent of 3-pointers and 48 percent of field goals … Led Region 15 in scoring and 3-point percentage, while ranking 13th in field goal percentage … As a freshman averaged 18.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists while making 50 percent of 3-pointers and 52 percent of field goals … Finished among Region 15 leaders in scoring, 3-point field goal percentage and field goal percentage … Junior college coach was Pernell Hosier.

Coach Monson says: “Khalid is a flat out scorer and shooter. We struggled stretching defenses last year and being able to score baskets against zones and teams that were sagging on us. Khalid can play both wing spots, different than Corey, he can play the two but also play the three. He gives us a shooter in those spots and again that is one of the areas we really wanted to address and with Corey and Khalid we have some more perimeter skill packages that we haven’t had.”

Corey Jackson, G, 6-0, 195, Jr., Brentwood, N.Y. (Upper Room Christian HS/Fashion Institute of Technology)

Named second-team National Junior College Athletic Association Division III All-America … Earned Region 15 Player of the Year and first-team All-Region 15 honors … Finished 20th in the NJCAA in scoring … Averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while making 45.6 percent of field goals, 35.3 percent of 3-pointers and 73.5 percent of free throws … Finished fourth in Region 15 in scoring, while also finishing fourth in free throw percentage, 18th in field goal percentage, seventh in 3-point field goal percentage, 22nd in rebounds and 21st in steals (1.5 spg) … Named to the Region 15 All-Tournament Team after averaging 23 points per game, while leading FIT to the championship game … Scored 25 points in the quarterfinals in an 89-71 win, 23 points in the semifinals in a 83-66 win and 21 points in the championship game in a 98-81 loss … Junior college coach was Michael Kerr.

Coach Monson says: “Corey is a versatile guard. What I like most about him is that he is an off guard who can shoot the ball. He is strong, he can shoot the ball, he can get by people off the bounce and create his own shot, and he can also slide over and give Casper a break once in awhile. He fits that need of depth at the point and another shooter at the off guard position and one that can bounce the ball.”

Long Beach State concluded their spring season with another shutout defeating LMU 3-0 at George Allen Field.  Goals were scored by Nadia Link, Nicole Sweetman, and Karina Camacho.  This was the fifth shutout of the season for goalie Emily Kingsborough.  The Beach went 5-0-2 this spring, with strong wins against USC (5-0) and Pepperdine (2-0).

Images from the match:

From Long Beach State Reports

April 15, 2010

Box Score

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State’s postseason hopes died Thursday night as the 49ers dropped a 29-31, 28-30, 31-29, 31-29, 15-13 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation match to Pepperdine at the Walter Pyramid.

The Beach (12-16, 8-13 MPSF) needed to win its final two matches (vs. USC Saturday) and hope for help from last-place Pacific on Friday and Saturday to qualify, but Pepperdine made what happens Friday and Saturday not matter for LBSU.

Poor serving doomed the 49ers in the final game. Long Beach State had five service errors including one on game point, while Pepperdine countered with two aces in the deciding game to finish with nearly half of the Waves’ game-five points coming in the service game.

Pepperdine (16-8, 14-7 MPSF) built and 11-6 thanks to four of those service errors. The 49ers battled back playing inspired volleyball at the net forcing a number of long rallies. The Beach went on an 8-3 run but couldn’t get any closer than one before losing the heartbreaker.

Dean Bittner finished with a match-high 28 kills on 38 swings for a .388 hitting percentage. Tommy Pestolesi added 20 kills and a .325 hitting percentage, while Dan Alexander tied a season-high with 16 kills (.652) and Antwain Aguillard added 15 kills (.500). Conor Eaton handed out a career-high 80 assists, while Kirk Francis led the 49er defense with 11 digs.

Cory Riecks led the Waves with 25 kills, while Maurice Torres had 21 kills. J.D. Schleppenbach just missed a triple-double for the Waves finishing with 13 kills, 13 digs and nine blocks. Pepperdine outhit LBSU .407 to .381 and finished with 12.5 more team blocks.

Images from the match:

The NCAA came down with their decision and it was a harsh one. Freshman Klaudia Malenovska will have to sit out the remainder of this season and the first 11 matches next year; the Long Beach Press-Telegram ran a story on the severity of the penalty. The positives: Klaudia can now practice with the team, have her game fine tuned by Coach Jenny Hilt-Costello, and can play in next year’s fall tournament season.

The following images were taken of Klaudia during one of her practice sessions:

The following You Tube video was produced by volleyball booster Bill King.  Bill also puts together a great newsletter.