Catch on everything that’s happened with the Long Beach City College Vikings over the last seven days.
Men’s Volleyball
The top-ranked Long Beach City College men’s volleyball team made quick work of its first-round opponent Miramar in the California Community College Athletic Association state playoffs at home last Friday. The Vikings won their 20th consecutive match 25-18, 25-20, 25-19.
“We put a good week of practice in working on our serve and blocking defense,” LBCC coach Jonathan Charette said. “We did well at the net, and the guys did a good job executing what we practiced leading up to tonight.”
The Vikings averaged 15 kills per set with a .400 hitting percentage and 16 block assists. Sophomore Steven Rotter led LBCC with 12 kills with four block assists. He leads the conference in kills.
“Last year he wasn’t as confident as he is now,” Charette said. “He’s been a dominant force for us.”
Sophomore outside hitter Andrew Pearson added eight kills with two block assists and an ace. He leads the state in hitting percentage.
“We knew we were going to have to be aggressive but patient at the net,” Pearson said. “When you’re able to shut down a guy (with the block) it feels amazing.”
Freshman setter Melbe Perez had 21 assists and three digs. Sophomore libero Steven Morales had 11 digs and four assists.
LBCC advances to the state semifinals today, Thursday, at Fullerton College.
VIDEO: Long Beach City College Men’s Volleyball Sweeps Playoff Opener
Beach Volleyball
VIDEO: Long Beach City Beach Volleyball Wins Conference Title
Softball
LBCC (22-16, 5-6) dropped a thrilling 10-6 nonconference game to Southwestern at home last Friday. Left fielder Raven Agapay was the only Viking with two hits, while Southwestern racked up 15 hits. The Vikings close out the regular season this week, and the postseason starts May 1.
Baseball
LBCC (19-18, 10-9) lost its second consecutive conference series to Cerritos. The Vikings won their home game 4-3 between a pair of losses on the road. Freshman second baseman Raul Gonzalez had two RBIs to score sophomore center fielder Val Stammler and freshman catcher David Balboa. Stammler also scored the game-winning run on sophomore designated hitter Aaron Fawcett’s RBI single.
The Vikings finish the regular season this week against L.A. Harbor, and the postseason starts May 1.
Swimming
The men placed fifth and women placed fourth in the South Coast Conference Championships over weekend at Mt. San Antonio College.
Sophomore Shaun Spalding won the 50 yard freestyle (21.40) and placed second in the 100 yard butterfly and the 100 yard freestyle. Sophomore Lindsey Mizrahi and Cori Reynolds both took third in the 100 yard butterfly and 200 yard breast stroke, respectively.
The Vikings still await to see if they have earned any state qualifiers.
