The Long Beach State women’s volleyball team opened Big West Conference play with a comeback victory at UC Santa Barbara on Friday but couldn’t keep the momentum going in a three-set loss to Cal Poly on Saturday.
The 49ers (8-6, 1-1 Big West) started the weekend by losing two of three close sets at UCSB. They were able to come back with a strong win in the fourth set, though, to send the match to a fifth and final set.
LBSU battled the Gauchos (6-8, 1-1 Big West) point for point until an Alex Reid kill put the ‘Niners up 10-9. The Beach expanded the lead to two and ultimately won the set to finish with a 22-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-16 and 15-13 victory.
Reid led the ‘Niners with 20 kills, and Delainey Aigner-Swesey provided 18 of her own. Aigner-Swesey also had 23 digs to earn a double-double.
The 49ers then traveled about 100 miles north to San Luis Obispo, where they met Cal Poly and 2011 Big West Player of the Year Jennifer Keddy.
LBSU’s defense had a tough time against the Mustangs (8-7, 2-0 Big West), as Cal Poly hit .338 en route to a 25-17, 27-25, 25-23 win over the ‘Niners.
The 49ers, who were without middle blocker Haleigh Hampton and ouside hitter Bre Mackie, were the victims of a sweep for just the second time this year. They were also swept by Kentucky at the season-opening LBSU Mizuno Invitational.
Next up for the 49ers is a big home match against Hawaii. The Rainbow Wahine are the defending Big West champions and are currently ranked sixth in the nation.