The No.-2 Pepperdine men’s volleyball team continued its recent hot streak with wins over No.-9 UC San Diego No. 6 Long Beach State and No.-3 Cal State Northridge on Thursday Saturday and Sunday. The Waves improved to 17-2 (MPSF) and has now won a season-best eight straight matches.
“I just go one game at a time and one match at a time said Head Coach Marv Dunphy, I always love to pull through with a win.”
On Thursday Pepperdine powered through three games with unstoppable hits and forceful plays to sweep UC San Diego 30-26 30-20 30-13.
In the first game the Tritons did not get any closer than three points as the Waves swept the court. In the second game Pepperdine went up by 11 points when senior opposite Paul Carroll and sophomore middle blocker Tyler Jaynes put up a huge stuff block.
Fans came dressed in 90s gear jean shorts tank tops and butterfly clips Saturday night to cheer on Pepperdine who was again victorious against Long Beach State in a rigorous four games 30-22 25-30 31-29 and 30-28.
In game one Pepperdine schooled the 49ers with an unstoppable defense thanks to solid coverage by junior libero Sean Grubbs. The second game was back and forth the whole time with each team holding its own but it was Long Beach who pulled out the ‘W’ 25-30. With the third game knotted at 29 Carroll hammered it again for game point 31-29. Again Carroll scored game and match point for Pepperdine.
On Wednesday Pepperdine challenged and beat Cal State Northridge in a Matadors’ gym packed full of crazy CSUN fans. As the game progressed so did the noise as it went all the way to five games 30-28 31-29 28-30 35-37 15-12.
“Northridge has a loud atmosphere in their gym Hulse said. We just need[ed] to stay focused and concentrate on our own plays.”
Pepperdine started the fifth game down by 3 at 6-3. But with kills from both sophomore outside hitter Cory Riecks and Carroll the Waves pulled themselves back to beat Northridge 15-12.
On Monday Crider was named National Player of the Week by the American Volleyball Coach Association.
“Kasey Crider did a great job running the offense Dunphy said. He made perfect sets and good choices on where to place them.”
Pepperdine will attempt to add to its winning streak Saturday on the road at No.-12 UC Santa Barbara (8-14 4-13).