March 17, 2006
Men’s Volleyball:
Vikings remain undefeated after 3-2 win over rival L.A. Pierce
In what could be a preview of a state tournament match later this spring, the Long Beach City College men’s volleyball team prevailed for a 3-2 Western State Conference win over rival Los Angeles Pierce College Friday night at LBCC.
Long Beach won the emotion-filled match in front of a packed crowd over Pierce (6-4, 0-2 WSC) by scores of 20-25, 25-17, 25-19, 21-25, and 15-10. With the win, the Vikings remain undefeated with a 8-0 overall record and 2-0 mark in conference play.
Pierce had momentum early, taking the opening game before the Vikings rallied to take game two and three.
Long Beach had a chance to end the match with game four, but got behind 19-15. The Vikings rallied to tie it up 20-20 before Pierce won five of the next six points to send the match into a fifth game.
In game five, the Vikings stormed out to a commanding 8-3 lead and never looked back. Pierce got to within two points (12-10) to put a scare in Long Beach, but the Vikings were able to close it out with three straight points to take the match.
Sophomore outside hitter Sam Pech (Jordan HS) had a huge night for the Vikings, collecting a team-high 17 kills, including five in the deciding fifth game, to go with 21 digs and 3 blocks.
“Sam (Pech) really stepped up for us tonight,” said third-year LBCC head coach Randy Totorp. “His sophomore leadership really came through. He made a bunch of big plays when really needed them that helped pick up the others guys on the team.”
Sophomore libero Rich Parris (Marina HS) also came up big for the Vikings, leading the squad with 27 digs. Freshman middle blocker Brett Massetti (Madera, CA) came in off the bench to contribute a season-high 12 kills and 2 blocks.
“Our depth and conditioning is going to be a big key to us being successful this year,” Totorp said. “I was able to substitute Brett (Massetti) in game two and he played just as well as anyone on the court for us.”
The Vikings return to action on Wednesday (Mar. 22) when they host Santa Barbara City College in a 6 p.m. WSC match. |
