Homecoming sweet for alumnae

By Lyndsey Shinoda
Daily Forty-Niner
 
The "Dream Team" showed how it got its name Tuesday, as the alumnae beat the current Long Beach State women's volleyball team in four games, 15-11, 15-9, 14-16 and15-6.

1,802 fans filled The Pyramid and were treated to a match full of rallies, powerful kills and all-out hustle from both sides.

"It's fun," said Head Coach Brian Gimmillaro, who organized the exhibition match. "Good players bring out good players to play well."

Both teams came out with a vengeance, as alumna Antoinette White served the first ball of the match. She observed the rest of the match coaching from the bench because she is four months pregnant.

Most of the "Dream Team" players dressed in their old LBSU uniforms, while Tara Cross-Battle and Danielle Scott donned their navy blue Olympic uniforms.

Scott led all players with a double-double, amassing 23 kills and 14 digs. Cross-Battle contributed 14 kills and Misty May had a triple-double with 13 kills, 20 assists and 15 digs.

"It took us a while to get going, but it went well," Cross-Battle said. "Long Beach State played well. They are always a good team."

Setter Sheri Sanders (1986-89) expressed her excitement about the game.

"It was beautiful to play with my old friend and teammate Tara (Cross-Battle)," Sanders said. "I loved the camaraderie and competitiveness of playing with the team. It brought back a lot of memories. Hopefully we inspired them [the 2000 49ers] and they have a good season."

LBSU's current setter, Brittany Hochevar, was impressed by the way her teammates handled the "Dream Team."

"I looked at it as an opportunity to go against the biggest guns in the world and let it all hang out," Hochevar said. "We had nothing to lose. We wanted to prove that we belong at the top."

The 49ers stole Game 3 from the alumnae, coming from behind to win 16-14 and force a fourth game.

Middle blocker Cheryl Weaver led the 49ers with 15 kills and 13 digs. Elisha Thomas added 14 kills and Mariah Marquis had 13 kills and 15 digs.

The 49ers suffered a setback in Game 2, as outside hitter Sarah Connor, who already has a dislocated thumb, was injured again. Early indications pointed to a sprained right knee and she is listed as day-to-day.

"I'm a little concerned about Sarah," Gimmillaro said. "We might have to change the lineup again."

In Game 3, the crowd gave a standing ovation to Cross-Battle as it was announced that this was her last match on United States soil.

The 49ers never gave up in Game 4, but lost the deciding game at the hands of  White, who served the match point for the alumnae squad.