Sept. 19, 2008
LONG BEACH, Calif. - The Santa Clara volleyball team faced a 3-0 setback Friday night against No. 22 Long Beach State. The final set scores were 25-14, 25-18, 26-24. With the loss, the Broncos are now 7-3 on the season, while the 49ers improved to 10-1 overall.
The Broncos, who out-blocked their opponent 7.5 to 6.0, were led by sophomore Krista Kelley. The outside hitter registered a match-high and season-best 13 kills. Freshman Tanya Schmidt led the match with five total blocks, while junior Nina Sevastopoulos had four total blocks.
Santa Clara won the first point of set one on a kill by Schmidt, but Long Beach State quickly claimed a 4-1 lead. The 49ers' run was ended by Brittany Lowe, but Long Beach continued to hold the lead. A block by Naomi Washington doubled the Beach's score over SCU, 14-7. The Broncos could not stop the 49ers and Long Beach State took set one, 25-14.
The Broncos opened the second set with a 3-1 advantage. Yet, the 49ers eventually tied the score, 4-4, and the two teams went head-to-head for control of the scoreboard. After Santa Clara knotted the set, 10-10, on a block by Schmidt and Kelley, Long Beach broke away with a three-point lead. The Broncos fought hard to tie the set again as they came within one point, 13-12. Long Beach steadily pulled ahead again and won the set, 25-18.
The score was kept tight in the beginning of the third set, but the 49ers held the advantage. Long Beach claimed a four-point lead, 14-10, on a kill by Quincy Verdin. However, Santa Clara was not going to back down and rallied to knot the score, 15-15, on a kill by Kelley. The Broncos then claimed a two-point lead, 19-17, on a kill by Sevastopoulos. Yet, Long Beach tied the score again, 20-20. SCU reclaimed the advantage, 23-21, on a block by Lindsy Davigeadono and Cmaylo, but the Broncos run was halted as the 49ers tied the score again, 23-23.
The 49ers reached match-point on a kill by Verdin, but Kelley slammed the ball down to knot the score and give Santa Clara another chance at keeping the match going. However, Brittney Herzog responded with a kill and a Bronco attack error gave Long Beach State the 26-24 victory.
The Broncos and 49ers square-off one more time this weekend on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Walter Pyramid. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
