Women's volleyball mauled by UCLA Bruins

The sixth-ranked UCLA Bruins out-hustled and out-played the 49ers in four games, 15-11, 9-15, 15-12, and 15-12.

Even before the fans' seats were even warm the Bruins began the match by pouncing on the 49ers, taking a 10- 1 lead in the first game . UCLA took a 14-3 lead when the 49ers switched gears and started to play like a top 10 team.

CSULB was mauled by The Bruins (9-3) at the beginning of every game. With the exception of the second game, the 49ers (10-3) could not recover. CSULB made valiant comebacks, but it was a case of too little, too late as the Bruins recovered in time to pull out the victory.

After the match, coach Brian Gimmillaro held a 35 minute closeddoor team meeting.

"I told the team they need to play better volleyball," Gimmillaro said. Senior outside hitter Brita Schwerm had 30 kills in 64 attempts, both career highs. But after coming out of the meeting, Schwerm, holding back the tears, said the career highs didn't mean a thing.

"I'm just disappointed. I just wish the team would have fought harder," Schwerm said. "I don't want my last season to go like this and it's going by fast. I've heard everything. It's up to the rest of the team to come through, the coaching staff can't do anymore."

CSULB staved off seven game points, creeping within three points of tying the game. But the Bruins, finally on their eighth game point, put away the 49ers, 15-11.

The second game was more competitive as the lead went back and forth. The game was tied 7-7 when 49ers took control. CSULB won eight of the next 10 points to tie the match at one game apiece.

The 49ers had to play catch up in the third game, falling behind early by scores of 4-0, 6-2 and 8-5. CSULB then took the lead at 11-9. The 49ers looked like they were going to close out the Bruins, when they reverted to their bad habits. UCLA took advantage of 49er mistakes to win the third game.

The fourth game was just like the first, UCLA jumped to 10-3. The 49ers tried to comeback and nearly did when they tied the game at 12-12. But CSULB could not sustain the momentum. The Bruins won the final three points and the match.

The 49ers return to Big West Conference action this weekend. CSULB goes on the road to the University of Pacific on Friday and San Jose State on Saturday. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.