Thursday, September 2
Long Beach, Calif.
7:00 PM
Long Beach State University
vs
UCLA
Photo by: John Fajardo
Women’s Volleyball Welcomes No. 18 UCLA, No. 16 Georgia Tech, and Portland State for the LBSU Tournament
9/1/2021 3:56:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
The Long Beach State Tournament begins on Thursday, Sept. 2 and will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 4
Long Beach State Tournament
September 2-4, 2021
Long Beach, Calif. | Walter Pyramid
MATCH #4: No. 18 UCLA at LONG BEACH STATE
Date: Thursday, September 2
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Long Beach, Calif.
Venue: Walter Pyramid
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Matt Brown
Tickets: www.LongBeachState.com
MATCH #5: No. 16 GEORGIA TECH at LONG BEACH STATE
Date: Friday, September 3
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Long Beach, Calif.
Venue: Walter Pyramid
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Matt Prosser
Tickets: www.LongBeachState.com
MATCH #6: PORTLAND STATE at LONG BEACH STATE
Date: Saturday, September 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Long Beach, Calif.
Venue: Walter Pyramid
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Matt Prosser
Twitter: @LBSU_WVB
Tickets: www.LongBeachState.com
COMPLETE LBSU MATCH NOTES (PDF)
Women's Volleyball Welcomes No. 18 UCLA, No. 16 Georgia Tech, and Portland State for the LBSU Tournament
The Long Beach State women's volleyball team will host the Long Beach State Tournament this weekend. The Beach will welcome No. 18 UCLA, No. 16 Georgia Tech, and Portland State to the Walter Pyramid from Thursday, Sept. 2 - Saturday, Sept. 4. The Beach and the Bruins will kick off the tournament on Thursday at 7 p.m. For the complete tournament schedule, please see below:
LONG BEACH STATE TOURNAMENT
Thursday, September 2
#18 UCLA at Long Beach State - 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Friday, September 3
Portland State vs. #18 UCLA - 5 p.m.
#16 Georgia Tech at Long Beach State - 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Saturday, September 4
#16 Georgia Tech vs. #18 UCLA - 3 p.m.
Portland State at Long Beach State - 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
Promos, Food Trucks, and More
This weekend's Long Beach State tournament brings a slew of exciting promotions beginning with the Beach is Back event on Thursday. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will take place outside of the north entrance (red side) of the Walter Pyramid. Food Trucks The Fix on Wheels as well as Made in Brooklyn Pizza will be available. Once inside the venue, fans will received LB Masks and students will receive "Got Grit?" T-shirts. On Friday, the Berlin Food Truck will be outside the Walter Pyramid at 4 p.m. Friday is Aloha Friday and fans are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian style shirt. On Saturday, Bunz Burgers will be outside the Walter Pyramid at 2 p.m., while inside LBSU will recognize frontline workers for Frontline Workers Appreciation Night.
Catch All The Action
All Long Beach State home matches will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Fans can sign up for ESPN+ for $5.99 per month ($59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com, or on the ESPN App. It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu for $13.99 per month (Hulu with adds) or $19.99 per month (Hulu without ads). Fans can also follow stats updates on BeachLiveStats.com. Matt Brown will be on the call for Thursday's match against UCLA, while Matt Prosser will broadcast the Beach's games on Friday and Saturday.
In the Rankings
Long Beach State's 2021 schedule is a competitive one as the Beach will face five top-25 opponents and three opponents who are receiving votes in the AVCA Coaches Poll. This weekend, the Beach will take on two ranked teams in No. 18 UCLA and No. 16 Georgia Tech on Thursday and Friday, respectively.
Staying Social
Follow Long Beach State women's volleyball on Instagram and Twitter at @LBSUWVB and @LBSU_WVB, respectively. Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Long Beach State by following @LBSUAthletics. Be sure to "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram at @LBSU.
About the Beach
• Long Beach State opened up the season with a 2-1 record at the Boise State Invitational.
• The Beach went five sets in each match last weekend as Kashauna Williams and Miranda Canez were named to the All-Tournament Team.
• Williams led LBSU with 4.33 kills per set, while adding 1.40 digs per set and 0.47 blocks per set en route to being named Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
• Long Beach State swept the Big West Weekly Awards as Nicole Hoff and Erykah Lovett won Defensive and Freshman Player of the Week, respectively.
• Hoff, a sophomore libero finished the weekend with 3.73 digs per set after logging a career-high 22 digs against Dixie State on the final day of the tournament.
• Lovett kicked off her rookie season with three double-doubles and nine total aces. She finished the weekend averaging 3.27 kills per set and 2.67 digs per set.
• Canez hit a team-best .524 on the weekend as she tallied 25 total kills to average 1.67 kills per set. She also added 0.47 blocks per set.
Scouting UCLA
• No. 18 UCLA comes into the match against Long Beach State with a 1-0 record after having opened the season with a 3-1 victory over UC Davis.
• The Bruins were led by Mac May who registered 21 kills to average 5.25 per set, while hitting .226. She also added 2.00 digs per set, 0.50 blocks per set, and 0.25 assists per set.
• Shelby Martin distributed 46 assists on the night to pace the offense with 11.50 assists per set as the Bruins hit .282.She also added 1.25 digs per set and 0.50 blocks per set.
• Defensively, Zoe Fleck logged 15 digs to average 1.75 digs per set, while three Bruins posted two blocks each at the net.
The Series: The Beach vs. The Bruins
Long Beach State and UCLA will face off for the 90th time in program history. The Bruins lead the all-time series 64-25 and have won the last nine meetings. The Beach are looking for their first win over UCLA since 2009 when Long Beach State swept the Bruins at the Fullerton Tournament hosted by Cal State Fullerton.
Scouting Georgia Tech
• No. 16 Georgia Tech brings a 3-0 record into the Long Beach State Tournament.
• The Jackets kicked off the season with victories over Penn State, UCF, and St. John's at the UCF Tournament last weekend.
• Julia Bergmann led all scorers with 4.82 kills per set en route to being named AVCA National Player of the Week.
• Joining Bergmann with strong offensive showings were Mariana Brambila (3.36 kills per set) and Bianca Bertolinio (3.09 kills per set).
• Matti McKissock paced the Jackets with 11.82 assists per set, while adding 2.45 digs per set.
• Defensively, Maddie Tippett finished the weekend with 3.55 digs per set, while Breland Morrissett posted 1.00 blocks per set.
The Series: The Beach vs. The Jackets
Long Beach State and Georgia Tech will meet for just the fourth time in program history. The Beach hold a slight edge over the Jackets, 2-1. LBSU won the first two meetings in 1997 and 2003, and Georgia Tech claimed the most recent contest, 3-1, in 2019.
Scouting Portland State
• Portland State is 1-2 on the year after having opened the season at the Oregon Tournament.
• The Vikings dropped a 3-0 contest at Oregon, before picking up a 3-1 victory over Santa Clara, and dropping a 3-0 match against San Jose State.
• Parker Webb led the offensive attack with 3.30 kills per set, while also contributing 2.00 digs per set and 0.30 blocks per set.
• Ally Wada is the team's setter as she dished out 73 assists for an average of 7.30 assists per set.
• At libero, Ellie Snook recorded 5.10 digs per set, while serving up a team-leading six aces.
• At the net, Genevieve Florig finished the weekend with 0.80 blocks per set.
The Series: The Beach vs. The Vikings
Long Beach State and Portland State will play each other for the ninth time in program history. The Beach leads the all-time series 6-2. LBSU won the last meeting in 2018, 3-1, at Portland State.
Hot Start
Long Beach State women's volleyball started the 2021 campaign off sweeping the Big West Conference weekly awards as Kashauna Williams took home Offensive Player of the Week Honors, while Nicole Hoff garnered Defensive Player of the Week accolades, and Erykah Lovett claimed Freshman of the Week honors.
The Beach went 2-1 last week at the Boise State Invitational as they were led by junior outside hitter Kashauna Williams who earned All-Tournament Team accolades before taking home Big West Offensive Player of the Week honors. Williams earned the honors for the second time in her career and finished the week averaging 4.33 kills per set, 1.40 digs per set, 0.47 blocks per set, while hitting .217. She currently ranks 26th in the nation in kills per set and is third in the country in total kills with 65. Her season-high 25 kills versus Montana State was just one shy of her career-best.
Hoff, a sophomore libero, claimed her first-ever conference honors after logging 3.73 digs per set while directing the Beach in the back row. She recorded double-digit digs in each of the three matches including a career-high 22-dig showing against Dixie State.
Lovett made the most of her collegiate debut as the freshman outside hitter notched a double-double in each contest including a career-best 20-kill, 19-dig performance versus Dixie State. She finished the week with 3.27 kills per set, 2.67 digs per set, and 0.60 aces per set. She totaled nine aces on the week, which is good for 12th in the nation.
Kashing In
Junior outside hitter Kashauna Williams opened the 2021 season in a big way. She led the Beach in kills in each match, notched a double-double at Boise State, and registered a season-high 25 kills against Montana State, which was just one kill shy of her career-best output. Williams' solid efforts earned her an All-Tournament Team nod, in addition to being named Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
Hot Hitting
Senior middle blocker Miranda Canez was on fire to start the 2021 campaign. The 6-foot-2 middle hit .400 or higher in each match at the Boise State Tournament including a career-high .667 clip versus Dixie State as she knocked down eight kills on 12 errorless swings. Canez finished the weekend with 25 kills to average 1.67 per set, while adding 0.28 blocks per set.
You Lovett to See it
Freshman outside hitter Erykah Lovett made the most of her collegiate debut at the Boise State Invitational as she recorded a double-double in each match. She concluded the tournament with a career-high 20 kills and 19 digs, while hitting .300. Lovett also served up a total of nine aces to average 0.60 aces per set. She collected a career-best five aces at Boise State, besting her previous career-best of four aces against Montana State.
Can You Dig It?
Sophomore libero Nicole Hoff was solid in the back row for the Beach last weekend as she finished the Boise State Invitational with 3.73 digs per set after posting a career-best 22 digs against Dixie State. While Hoff's showing was impressive enough to earn her Big West Defensive Player of the Week accolades, she was not alone in helping the Beach defense keep their opponents off balance. Also turning in impact performances defensively were sophomore Tia Chavira (4.80 digs per set) and freshman Jenna Giambi (3.80 digs per set). Chavira saw action against Dixie State as she posted 24 digs, while Giambi saw action against Montana State logging 19 digs.
Helping Hands
Freshman setter Kasia Partyka made her collegiate debut against Montana State and promptly registered a double-double with 57 assists and 11 digs. She would go on to finish the tournament with 8.69 assists per set, 1.77 digs per set, 0.38 kills per set, and 0.23 blocks per set. Also getting some action off the bench at setter were sophomore Tia Chavira who played against Dixie State and recorded 20 assists to go along with 24 digs for a double-double. Additionally, freshman Maura Hayes also saw action as a reserve in the Boise State and Dixie State matches. Hayes concluded the weekend averaging 3.67 assists per set and 1.33 digs per set.
Block Party
Long Beach State has half a dozen blockers on the roster which are led by senior Miranda Canez and freshman Kameron Bacon. Canez and Bacon earned the start at middle blocker during the three matches at the Boise State Invitational and combined for 12 blocks. However, freshman Kayla Fuller came off the bench in all three matches and posted a team-leading eight blocks to average 1.33 blocks per set. Joining the trio of Canez (0.47 blocks per set), Bacon (0.50 blocks per set), and Fuller are Kashauna Williams (7 blocks), Avery Nelson (5 blocks), and Erykah Lovett (4 blocks).
Among the Big West
Long Beach State has four players who rank in the top 10 in the Big West. Leading the way is junior outside hitter Kashauna Williams who ranks third in the conference with 4.33 kills per set. Meanwhile, freshman outside hitter Erykah Lovett, ranks ninth in the league with 3.27 kills per set. Lovett also comes in fourth in the conference with 0.60 service aces per set. Freshman setter Kasia Partyka finished her first collegiate tournament with 8.69 assists per set which is good for fourth in the Big West. Lastly, sophomore libero Nicole Hoff's 3.73 digs per set put her in ninth place in the conference.
On a National Scale
Kashauna Williams totaled 65 kills to average 4.33 kills per set after the first week of the season. Her kills per set average ranks her 26th in the nation among NCAA Division I women's volleyball players, while her kill total is good for third. She has logged a total of 72.0 points to average 4.80 points per set to rank third and 41st in the country, respectively.
Family Connections
Freshman outside hitter Jaylen Jordan and freshman defensive specialist Jenna Giambi have some strong family connections. Jordan is the daughter of Kevin Jordan who played football at UCLA, while her mother, Jenny Johnson Jordan played volleyball. Her mother went on to play on the 2000 Beach Volleyball Olympic Team, while her father played in the NFL with both the Cardinals and the Bengals. If that weren't enough, her grandfather was 1960 Olympic Gold Medalist and UCLA track & field and basketball star, Rafer Johnson. Giambi, meanwhile, comes from a strong pedigree of athletes as well. Her mother, Julie Giambi, played softball at Cal State Fullerton, and her uncles, Jason and Jeremy, are former Major League Baseball players. Her Uncle Jason played for the Dirtbags from 1990-92. Another descendant of a Dirtbag is freshman Kailia Lopez. She is the daughter of Derek Lopez who played for the Dirtbags in 1989.
Next Up
Long Beach State continues the preseason at the Washington State Tournament. The Beach will take on the Cougars on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m., before facing Gonzaga and Northern Iowa in Pullman, Wash., at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., respectively.
September 2-4, 2021
Long Beach, Calif. | Walter Pyramid
MATCH #4: No. 18 UCLA at LONG BEACH STATE
Date: Thursday, September 2
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Long Beach, Calif.
Venue: Walter Pyramid
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Matt Brown
Tickets: www.LongBeachState.com
MATCH #5: No. 16 GEORGIA TECH at LONG BEACH STATE
Date: Friday, September 3
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Long Beach, Calif.
Venue: Walter Pyramid
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Matt Prosser
Tickets: www.LongBeachState.com
MATCH #6: PORTLAND STATE at LONG BEACH STATE
Date: Saturday, September 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Long Beach, Calif.
Venue: Walter Pyramid
Live Stats: BeachLiveStats.com
TV: ESPN+
Talent: Matt Prosser
Twitter: @LBSU_WVB
Tickets: www.LongBeachState.com
COMPLETE LBSU MATCH NOTES (PDF)
Women's Volleyball Welcomes No. 18 UCLA, No. 16 Georgia Tech, and Portland State for the LBSU Tournament
The Long Beach State women's volleyball team will host the Long Beach State Tournament this weekend. The Beach will welcome No. 18 UCLA, No. 16 Georgia Tech, and Portland State to the Walter Pyramid from Thursday, Sept. 2 - Saturday, Sept. 4. The Beach and the Bruins will kick off the tournament on Thursday at 7 p.m. For the complete tournament schedule, please see below:
LONG BEACH STATE TOURNAMENT
Thursday, September 2
#18 UCLA at Long Beach State - 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Friday, September 3
Portland State vs. #18 UCLA - 5 p.m.
#16 Georgia Tech at Long Beach State - 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Saturday, September 4
#16 Georgia Tech vs. #18 UCLA - 3 p.m.
Portland State at Long Beach State - 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
Promos, Food Trucks, and More
This weekend's Long Beach State tournament brings a slew of exciting promotions beginning with the Beach is Back event on Thursday. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will take place outside of the north entrance (red side) of the Walter Pyramid. Food Trucks The Fix on Wheels as well as Made in Brooklyn Pizza will be available. Once inside the venue, fans will received LB Masks and students will receive "Got Grit?" T-shirts. On Friday, the Berlin Food Truck will be outside the Walter Pyramid at 4 p.m. Friday is Aloha Friday and fans are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian style shirt. On Saturday, Bunz Burgers will be outside the Walter Pyramid at 2 p.m., while inside LBSU will recognize frontline workers for Frontline Workers Appreciation Night.
Catch All The Action
All Long Beach State home matches will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Fans can sign up for ESPN+ for $5.99 per month ($59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com, or on the ESPN App. It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu for $13.99 per month (Hulu with adds) or $19.99 per month (Hulu without ads). Fans can also follow stats updates on BeachLiveStats.com. Matt Brown will be on the call for Thursday's match against UCLA, while Matt Prosser will broadcast the Beach's games on Friday and Saturday.
In the Rankings
Long Beach State's 2021 schedule is a competitive one as the Beach will face five top-25 opponents and three opponents who are receiving votes in the AVCA Coaches Poll. This weekend, the Beach will take on two ranked teams in No. 18 UCLA and No. 16 Georgia Tech on Thursday and Friday, respectively.
Staying Social
Follow Long Beach State women's volleyball on Instagram and Twitter at @LBSUWVB and @LBSU_WVB, respectively. Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Long Beach State by following @LBSUAthletics. Be sure to "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram at @LBSU.
About the Beach
• Long Beach State opened up the season with a 2-1 record at the Boise State Invitational.
• The Beach went five sets in each match last weekend as Kashauna Williams and Miranda Canez were named to the All-Tournament Team.
• Williams led LBSU with 4.33 kills per set, while adding 1.40 digs per set and 0.47 blocks per set en route to being named Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
• Long Beach State swept the Big West Weekly Awards as Nicole Hoff and Erykah Lovett won Defensive and Freshman Player of the Week, respectively.
• Hoff, a sophomore libero finished the weekend with 3.73 digs per set after logging a career-high 22 digs against Dixie State on the final day of the tournament.
• Lovett kicked off her rookie season with three double-doubles and nine total aces. She finished the weekend averaging 3.27 kills per set and 2.67 digs per set.
• Canez hit a team-best .524 on the weekend as she tallied 25 total kills to average 1.67 kills per set. She also added 0.47 blocks per set.
Scouting UCLA
• No. 18 UCLA comes into the match against Long Beach State with a 1-0 record after having opened the season with a 3-1 victory over UC Davis.
• The Bruins were led by Mac May who registered 21 kills to average 5.25 per set, while hitting .226. She also added 2.00 digs per set, 0.50 blocks per set, and 0.25 assists per set.
• Shelby Martin distributed 46 assists on the night to pace the offense with 11.50 assists per set as the Bruins hit .282.She also added 1.25 digs per set and 0.50 blocks per set.
• Defensively, Zoe Fleck logged 15 digs to average 1.75 digs per set, while three Bruins posted two blocks each at the net.
The Series: The Beach vs. The Bruins
Long Beach State and UCLA will face off for the 90th time in program history. The Bruins lead the all-time series 64-25 and have won the last nine meetings. The Beach are looking for their first win over UCLA since 2009 when Long Beach State swept the Bruins at the Fullerton Tournament hosted by Cal State Fullerton.
Scouting Georgia Tech
• No. 16 Georgia Tech brings a 3-0 record into the Long Beach State Tournament.
• The Jackets kicked off the season with victories over Penn State, UCF, and St. John's at the UCF Tournament last weekend.
• Julia Bergmann led all scorers with 4.82 kills per set en route to being named AVCA National Player of the Week.
• Joining Bergmann with strong offensive showings were Mariana Brambila (3.36 kills per set) and Bianca Bertolinio (3.09 kills per set).
• Matti McKissock paced the Jackets with 11.82 assists per set, while adding 2.45 digs per set.
• Defensively, Maddie Tippett finished the weekend with 3.55 digs per set, while Breland Morrissett posted 1.00 blocks per set.
The Series: The Beach vs. The Jackets
Long Beach State and Georgia Tech will meet for just the fourth time in program history. The Beach hold a slight edge over the Jackets, 2-1. LBSU won the first two meetings in 1997 and 2003, and Georgia Tech claimed the most recent contest, 3-1, in 2019.
Scouting Portland State
• Portland State is 1-2 on the year after having opened the season at the Oregon Tournament.
• The Vikings dropped a 3-0 contest at Oregon, before picking up a 3-1 victory over Santa Clara, and dropping a 3-0 match against San Jose State.
• Parker Webb led the offensive attack with 3.30 kills per set, while also contributing 2.00 digs per set and 0.30 blocks per set.
• Ally Wada is the team's setter as she dished out 73 assists for an average of 7.30 assists per set.
• At libero, Ellie Snook recorded 5.10 digs per set, while serving up a team-leading six aces.
• At the net, Genevieve Florig finished the weekend with 0.80 blocks per set.
The Series: The Beach vs. The Vikings
Long Beach State and Portland State will play each other for the ninth time in program history. The Beach leads the all-time series 6-2. LBSU won the last meeting in 2018, 3-1, at Portland State.
Hot Start
Long Beach State women's volleyball started the 2021 campaign off sweeping the Big West Conference weekly awards as Kashauna Williams took home Offensive Player of the Week Honors, while Nicole Hoff garnered Defensive Player of the Week accolades, and Erykah Lovett claimed Freshman of the Week honors.
The Beach went 2-1 last week at the Boise State Invitational as they were led by junior outside hitter Kashauna Williams who earned All-Tournament Team accolades before taking home Big West Offensive Player of the Week honors. Williams earned the honors for the second time in her career and finished the week averaging 4.33 kills per set, 1.40 digs per set, 0.47 blocks per set, while hitting .217. She currently ranks 26th in the nation in kills per set and is third in the country in total kills with 65. Her season-high 25 kills versus Montana State was just one shy of her career-best.
Hoff, a sophomore libero, claimed her first-ever conference honors after logging 3.73 digs per set while directing the Beach in the back row. She recorded double-digit digs in each of the three matches including a career-high 22-dig showing against Dixie State.
Lovett made the most of her collegiate debut as the freshman outside hitter notched a double-double in each contest including a career-best 20-kill, 19-dig performance versus Dixie State. She finished the week with 3.27 kills per set, 2.67 digs per set, and 0.60 aces per set. She totaled nine aces on the week, which is good for 12th in the nation.
Kashing In
Junior outside hitter Kashauna Williams opened the 2021 season in a big way. She led the Beach in kills in each match, notched a double-double at Boise State, and registered a season-high 25 kills against Montana State, which was just one kill shy of her career-best output. Williams' solid efforts earned her an All-Tournament Team nod, in addition to being named Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
Hot Hitting
Senior middle blocker Miranda Canez was on fire to start the 2021 campaign. The 6-foot-2 middle hit .400 or higher in each match at the Boise State Tournament including a career-high .667 clip versus Dixie State as she knocked down eight kills on 12 errorless swings. Canez finished the weekend with 25 kills to average 1.67 per set, while adding 0.28 blocks per set.
You Lovett to See it
Freshman outside hitter Erykah Lovett made the most of her collegiate debut at the Boise State Invitational as she recorded a double-double in each match. She concluded the tournament with a career-high 20 kills and 19 digs, while hitting .300. Lovett also served up a total of nine aces to average 0.60 aces per set. She collected a career-best five aces at Boise State, besting her previous career-best of four aces against Montana State.
Can You Dig It?
Sophomore libero Nicole Hoff was solid in the back row for the Beach last weekend as she finished the Boise State Invitational with 3.73 digs per set after posting a career-best 22 digs against Dixie State. While Hoff's showing was impressive enough to earn her Big West Defensive Player of the Week accolades, she was not alone in helping the Beach defense keep their opponents off balance. Also turning in impact performances defensively were sophomore Tia Chavira (4.80 digs per set) and freshman Jenna Giambi (3.80 digs per set). Chavira saw action against Dixie State as she posted 24 digs, while Giambi saw action against Montana State logging 19 digs.
Helping Hands
Freshman setter Kasia Partyka made her collegiate debut against Montana State and promptly registered a double-double with 57 assists and 11 digs. She would go on to finish the tournament with 8.69 assists per set, 1.77 digs per set, 0.38 kills per set, and 0.23 blocks per set. Also getting some action off the bench at setter were sophomore Tia Chavira who played against Dixie State and recorded 20 assists to go along with 24 digs for a double-double. Additionally, freshman Maura Hayes also saw action as a reserve in the Boise State and Dixie State matches. Hayes concluded the weekend averaging 3.67 assists per set and 1.33 digs per set.
Block Party
Long Beach State has half a dozen blockers on the roster which are led by senior Miranda Canez and freshman Kameron Bacon. Canez and Bacon earned the start at middle blocker during the three matches at the Boise State Invitational and combined for 12 blocks. However, freshman Kayla Fuller came off the bench in all three matches and posted a team-leading eight blocks to average 1.33 blocks per set. Joining the trio of Canez (0.47 blocks per set), Bacon (0.50 blocks per set), and Fuller are Kashauna Williams (7 blocks), Avery Nelson (5 blocks), and Erykah Lovett (4 blocks).
Among the Big West
Long Beach State has four players who rank in the top 10 in the Big West. Leading the way is junior outside hitter Kashauna Williams who ranks third in the conference with 4.33 kills per set. Meanwhile, freshman outside hitter Erykah Lovett, ranks ninth in the league with 3.27 kills per set. Lovett also comes in fourth in the conference with 0.60 service aces per set. Freshman setter Kasia Partyka finished her first collegiate tournament with 8.69 assists per set which is good for fourth in the Big West. Lastly, sophomore libero Nicole Hoff's 3.73 digs per set put her in ninth place in the conference.
On a National Scale
Kashauna Williams totaled 65 kills to average 4.33 kills per set after the first week of the season. Her kills per set average ranks her 26th in the nation among NCAA Division I women's volleyball players, while her kill total is good for third. She has logged a total of 72.0 points to average 4.80 points per set to rank third and 41st in the country, respectively.
Family Connections
Freshman outside hitter Jaylen Jordan and freshman defensive specialist Jenna Giambi have some strong family connections. Jordan is the daughter of Kevin Jordan who played football at UCLA, while her mother, Jenny Johnson Jordan played volleyball. Her mother went on to play on the 2000 Beach Volleyball Olympic Team, while her father played in the NFL with both the Cardinals and the Bengals. If that weren't enough, her grandfather was 1960 Olympic Gold Medalist and UCLA track & field and basketball star, Rafer Johnson. Giambi, meanwhile, comes from a strong pedigree of athletes as well. Her mother, Julie Giambi, played softball at Cal State Fullerton, and her uncles, Jason and Jeremy, are former Major League Baseball players. Her Uncle Jason played for the Dirtbags from 1990-92. Another descendant of a Dirtbag is freshman Kailia Lopez. She is the daughter of Derek Lopez who played for the Dirtbags in 1989.
Next Up
Long Beach State continues the preseason at the Washington State Tournament. The Beach will take on the Cougars on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m., before facing Gonzaga and Northern Iowa in Pullman, Wash., at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., respectively.
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
L/DS
/ Women's Volleyball
RS/S
/ Women's Volleyball
L
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH/DS
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
S
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's VolleyballWomen's Volleyball Post Game Press Conference vs Pepperdine
Sunday, September 22
Women's Volleyball Game Highlights vs Pepperdine
Sunday, September 22
Women's Volleyball Post Game Press Conference Vs Washington State
Saturday, September 21
Women's Volleyball Game Highlights vs Washington State
Saturday, September 21
