The Long Beach City College women’s volleyball team opened up its 2009 home schedule with an easy three-game sweep of visiting Los Angeles Trade Tech College in a South Coast Conference match on Wednesday.

LBCC won the match by scores of 25-8, 25-11, and 25-10. The win improved the Vikings to 3-5 overall and 2-0 in the SCC.

Trade Tech never threatened in the match. After cruising to the 25-8 win in game one, freshman defensive specialist Elizabeth Rios opened game two with four aces and led the Vikings to eight straight points and an 8-0 advantage.

Rios totaled five aces in the match and added three digs. Sophomore right side Kathy Hunt totaled a match-high 11 kills and also added three blocks. Sophomore outside hitter Lauren Nieraeth led all with 11 digs and also added two aces while sophomore setter Nikki Moe had 32 assists.

“It was good to be home and win like that after the tough weekend we had in San Diego,” said LBCC head coach Suzie Witmer. “I think the team stayed focused throughout the match even though it was a lopsided win.”

Yadira Maldonado led Trade Tech (0-4, 0-1 SCC) with three kills and Cindy Rodriguez posted nine digs.

LBCC returns to action on Friday (Sept. 25) when it hosts rival Cerritos College in a 6 p.m. SCC match.

Reports From LBCC’s Chris Ruiz