Men's volleyball team bounces USC

The undefeated Cal State Long Beach men's volleyball team continued to roll over their competition last week with easy wins against La Verne University Wednesday night and Princeton on Friday at The Pyramid.

Tuesday night, the 49ers embarked on a five game road trip that started at USC.

Having never given up a single game in their four straight wins, the third-ranked 49ers lost the first two games against No. 8 USC Tuesday night. The team's steady defense led by Steve Walker who contributed 12 digs, and a combined 45 kills by stars, Tom Hoff and Geoffrey Cryst allowed the 49ers to come from behind and crush the Trojans in Los Angeles, 15-8, 16-14, 12-15, 5-15, 13-15.

The strength of Long Beach's defense was high caliber during the game against La Verne last week in The Pyramid, allowing them to score only 10 points the entire match. The final score was 15-2, 15-3, 15-5.

Gaby Amar led the 49ers in the romping over La Verne University with 13 kills.

Princeton University was the next victim to enter The Pyramid, two days later. Recognizably, a more formidable opponent than La Verne, the Tigers registered a total of nine team blocks, and although they lost 15-7, 15-12, 15-4, Princeton boasted the most points scored against CSULB in a game before their losses at USC.

Led by Cryst and Hoff with 19 kills and 16 kills, respectively, CSULB proved they are a well-rounded team that will be well in contention for a national title. Gaby Amar also contributed with 12 kills against the Ivy League school.

It was the team's impressive defense that kept Princeton from contending for a single game. Eleven team blocks and 18 digs helped demoralize the Tigers and paved the way for their fourth consecutive win.

At the end of this road trip, the 49er's potential will be tested with two matches against No. 1 Hawaii on Feb. 15 and Feb. 17.

The 49ers then return home to The Pyramid to take on UC San Diego and San Diego State on Feb. 21 and Feb. 23.