The No. 5-ranked Long Beach State men's volleyball team defeated No. 10 Penn State in four sets — 25-21, 25-21, 27-29, 25-20 — in Day 2 of the Active Ankle Classic on Saturday night.
The 49ers (10-8) snapped a two-match losing streak with their win at the Walter Pyramid. After logging a paltry 7 1/2 blocks on Friday, LBSU came back with an unbelievable 18 1/2.
"We took their best shot, especially with their two best outside hitters, and stuffed them big time," LBSU interim head coach Andy Read said.
Junior opposite Jim Baughman, who has been struggling as of late, led the 49ers with 13 kills and a .478 hitting percentage.
Penn State's junior outside hitter Joe Sunder led the match with 17 kills.
LBSU played catch-up the entire first set until finally taking control with a big kill by junior outside hitter Brad Hemmerling, who sparked a 3-0 run. Penn State was unable to recover.
The second set was all LBSU. The 49ers' defense came up huge in the frame, accumulating six blocks and holding the Nittany Lions to a meager .162 hitting percentage.
"Tonight, we were right on what they wanted to do," Read said.
LBSU opened up a big six-point lead late in the third behind a couple of aces by Hemmerling.
It seemed like the 49ers were well on their way to a much-needed victory, but Penn State had other ideas. Despite two chances at set point in the third, the 49ers were unable to convert.
Penn State found the door it was looking for.
After a strong kill by senior middle blocker Antwain Aguillard to tie up the score, the Nittany Lions got a crucial assist and block from junior setter Edgardo Goas to force a fourth set.
It seemed like an all too familiar scenario for LBSU when Penn State jumped to an early lead in the fourth set.
LBSU found itself in a tie once again, but, once again, it would be LBSU's defense that would put the team over the top. Successive blocks from Aguillard and senior setter Mike Klipsch gave the 49ers a late lead.
Penn State was looking for a comeback after a kill by freshman outside hitter Jace Olsen pulled them within 21-19.
Baughman had other ideas. Down the stretch, the junior secured two straight kills and followed them up with two blocks with middle blocker Ryan Meehan to put the Nittany Lions away.
"I guess I've been in a little funk the past couple games, but I'll come back and give it my best," Baughman said.
LBSU now must prepare for a two-match showdown with No. 9 Hawaii on Friday and Saturday. Both matches are scheduled for 7 p.m. starts at the Walter Pyramid.
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