The No.-2 Pepperdine men’s volleyball team stayed on top of its game last night sweeping Pacific in Stockton Calif. in their fourth consecutive victory and third straight shutout. The Waves (7-0 6-0 MPSF) have now defeated the Tigers 12 times in as many tries.
Pepperdine was a bit sluggish out of the gates in the first game but took an early 5-4 lead. However with the gym packed with Northern California fans full of loud cheers the Tigers picked up the momentum and eventually went ahead 16-12. But Pepperdine bounced back and with the help of a 5-0 scoring run notched the first game by a 30-24 score.
Despite several service errors in the second game Pepperdine took a 15-12 lead. Then with the score knotted at 22 the Waves went on a 6-0 scoring run and eventually pulled through with another 30-24 victory.
Throughout the third game there were some interesting points gained for Pepperdine. Junior libero Sean Grubbs slid across the court for an amazing up senior middle blocker Rodnei Santos headed the ball for a set to sophomore outside hitter Cory Reicks for the kill giving Pepperdine the lead 10-7. The Waves racked up the points and went ahead 25-16. Sophomore outside hitter Trevor Van Uden went in to serve at the end and the Waves took the third game 30-20 to sweep the match.
“I know the standards that we have to meet when it comes to winning and losing and at the end of the year that is [what is most important said Head coach Marv Dunphy. And right now we don’t have to lose to learn we just have to play hard.”Senior opposite Paul Carroll had 23 kills with a hitting average of .425 while collecting six digs and four aces.
“Paul Carroll owned it Grubbs said. And he held the serves for our team.” Sophomore setter Kasey Crider had 41 assists to lead Pepperdine to a hitting percentage of .333.
“It feels good to be undefeated so far Grubbs said. But we still have to focus on the future.”
On?Friday the Waves will remain in Northern California to take on No.-8 Stanford. On Wednesday Pepperdine will return home to host UCLA for a 7 p.m. match-up at Firestone Fieldhouse.
“When we play Stanford next we need to play with focus and energy.” said junior outside hitter Brent Schirripa “And the fundamentals of the game are [what are] most important.”