Beach downs Idaho

By Lyndsey Shinoda
Daily Forty-Niner

The revamped Long Beach State women's volleyball team showed off its new lineup Thursday and made it three wins in a row with a victory over Idaho by scores of 15-4, 15-12 and 15-5.

1,598 fans at The Pyramid watched as the 49ers dominated the Vandals (13-11 overall, 4-9 Big West Conference), which improved the 49ers' record to 18-7 overall and 9-5 in the Big West.

"I thought we played our normal game at times, but for a while, we got away from our normal game," Head Coach Brian Gimmillaro said. "When we're good, it's hard to beat us. The lineup still needs some time to mature."

The lineup that Gimmillaro referred to is one that has been used for the past three victories. In a major change, Keri Nishimoto has returned to her natural position as setter, and Brittany Hochevar has moved to the left outside hitter position.

"I've got to find a way to get to Richmond, Virginia (where the NCAA championships are), and not only get there, but win it," Hochevar said. "I'm all about winning."

Hochevar finished the match with 14 kills and a hitting percentage of .522, while Nishimoto had 41 assists on the night.

"It's fun, it's real comfortable for me," said Nishimoto of setting. "We were in a rut and we needed some big changes. It's kind of late in the season to do it, but I'm excited to see if we can."

The 49ers had a hitting percentage of .352 while holding the Vandals to a percentage of .071. Tayyiba Haneef led all players with 15 kills, and Cheryl Weaver had 11.

The Beach will round out its Big West schedule with road matches at Cal State Fullerton, Friday and at UC Irvine, Saturday. Both contests will start at 7 p.m.

Marten Lewerth/Daily Forty-Niner

Brittany Hochevar slams one of 14 kills against Idaho.

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