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	Vol.7, No 56, December 7, 1999
	49ers block two out of NCAA's By Elyse Medlin Daily Forty-Niner The lofty dream of the NCAA Final Four may soon become a reality for Long Beach State if they can keep up the same level of attack they displayed during Saturday night's slaughter of Arkansas. "I thought I saw a true Long Beach State tonight," said LBSU Head Coach Brian Gimmillaro, following the Arkansas match. The typically stoic 49ers relaxed and had fun as they single-handedly kicked Arkansas out of NCAA competition in just three games (15-6, 15-6, 15-11). However, their enthusiasm tapered off in the third game as they focused their energy on closing the match. "We played our style both offensively and defensively, with hustle and determination, right up until we got anxious at 14-6 (in Game 3)," Gimmillaro said. "We just wanted it to be over with." While the 49ers concentrated on closing, the Razorbacks were busy scoring. Arkansas capitalized on three consecutive 49er attack errors to narrow the 14-6 gap to 14-9. An Arkansas service ace and an additional LBSU error brought the score to 14-11. Sophomore Cheryl Weaver snapped the Razorbacks' scoring streak with a kill that led to the final sideout. Senior Brandy Barratt served the sixth attempt at match. Sophomore Keri Nishimoto set and Weaver nailed the final kill for the win. Barratt's winning serve was her final play at The Pyramid. Four LBSU seniors said farewell to their home court following the Arkansas match, which was the last home match of the season. "I wanted to do the best I could do because it's the last game at the Pyramid," Senior Anja Grabovac said. Grabovac led the 49ers with 16 kills for the match, averaging .375 percent. She also added two blocks to the effort. Fellow 49er seniors Kristy Kierulff, Veronica Walls, and Barratt were also key to the win. Walls contributed 14 kills and Barratt posted an impressive 16 digs for the match. Also notable in the match was setter Nishimoto, who set the pace with her .857 hitting average. "Keri's running the show and she's doing a better job all the time," Gimmillaro said. "We're balancing out the defense more and spreading out the attack," Nishimoto said. "The players are running all over the place." LBSU grabbed first round honors Friday night with a sweep over Florida A&M (15-6, 15-10, 15-1). In just one hour, the 49ers introduced the first-time NCAA participants to the heat of first round competition. The 49ers advance to regionals this weekend in Hawaii where they'll face Colorado State (30-2) in the third round.		Ceremony sparks holiday spirit   Residents fill L.B. church for Christmas concert   Film shows effects of alienation   Christmasfest celebrates Filipino culture   Winners of Swiss Web contest to be announced   Women's center holds vigil to mourn tragic incident Internet saves lives   Give me education not ego gratification   Number Tax   Benefits for all inaccurate   Police responsible for riots Faces on campus   Belmont Shore parade packs Second Street USC freezes Long Beach State hockey   49ers block two out of NCAA's   Men's basketball appears uninspired in tourney losses Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.