Report by LBSU
Long Beach State got off to a slow start and could never recover in a 30-26, 30-17, 23-30, 30-25 loss to McMaster University (Canada) in an exhibition match at the Walter Pyramid Wednesday night.
The Beach hit just .104 for the match a night after dominating McMaster with a .440 hitting percentage. LBSU was sluggish from the beginning hitting just .050 in losing the first set. It didn’t get any better in the second set as The Beach never led while hitting -.032.
Long Beach State rallied briefly winning the third set behind six kills from Dan Alexander. LBSU hit .355 for the set with Alexander pacing the effort with a .750 hitting percentage. Alexander finished with 10 kills.
The 49ers couldn’t capitalize on the momentum of winning the third set falling behind early in the final set. The Beach hit just .062 allowing the Marauders to split the two exhibition games.
Jim Baughman led Long Beach State with 13 kills but hit just .188. Tommy Pestolesi had 11 kills but just a .125 hitting percentage. Alexander hit .368.
Jeremy Groenveld and Tyler Santoni led McMaster with 15 kills apiece. Santoni hit .714. Ryan Hudson handed out 53 assists.
Long Beach State opens the regular season Jan. 7-8 when it plays in the Elephant Bar Tournament in Santa Barbara. The Beach opens with California Baptist on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.