Reports From LBCC
 

The defending state champion Long Beach City College men’s volleyball team closed out the 2010 regular season with a thrilling 3-2 win over visiting Los Angeles Pierce College on Friday night at LBCC.

 

Pierce pushed Long Beach to the limit, but ultimately, the Vikings came out on top. LBCC appeared to be on its way to a sweep after taking the opening sets 30-26 and 30-23. Pierce stormed back to take set three and four 30-25 and 31-29 before the Vikings pulled out the win in set five by a final score of 15-7.

 

The win improved Long Beach to 16-1 overall and kept them undefeated in Western State Conference play at 10-0. For Long Beach, it was its second straight unbeaten conference season in a row.

 

Freshman middle blocker Kris Johnson had an impressive match, totaling match highs with 22 kills and seven blocks. Freshman middle blocked Randy Preval had 18 kills, while sophomore outside hitter Torand Cheltenham posted 11 kills and four aces.

 

Freshman setter Randy Salcedo led all with 69 assists and sophomore libero Troy Crutchfield had 15 digs.

 

Pierce (4-13, 4-6 WSC) was led by Daniel McKernan’s 14 kills while Jon Suisa had nine kills and six blocks.

 

Prior to tonight’s match, LBCC had already wrapped up the Western State Conference championship and secured a first-round playoff by as well as a spot in the state championship semifinals.

 

Long Beach will play an exhibition match at Hope International University (NAIA) on Tuesday (Apr. 13) at 7 p.m.

 

The California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Men’s Volleyball State Championships are scheduled for April 22 and 24 at Orange Coast College.