The Long Beach State women’s volleyball team took a business-like approach Friday night in Los Angeles.
The No. 23 49ers (10-3) swept Loyola Marymount 25-18, 25-16, 25-23 at Gersten Pavilion to wrap up the unofficial first half of the season.
The Lions (7-7) didn’t gain a lead in the match until the opening point of the third set — the only frame LBSU was challenged.
The teams were tied at 18, and once more at 23, but 49ers senior setter Ashley Lee finished off LMU by recording the final kill in a 25-23 victory.
LBSU hit a match-best .432 in the final set compared to LMU’s .375 mark — the only frame the Lions produced a positive attack.
Caitlin Ledoux recorded a match-high 15 kills on .353 hitting to lead the 49ers, who have won five of their last six matches. Lee, Haleigh Hampton and Janisa Johnson each posted eight kills.
Lee also added 29 assists and eight digs.
Everything went right for the ‘Niners in a 25-16 set-two victory.
LBSU opened set two with a 9-0 run that resulted in two quick LMU timeouts. The 49ers hit .800 during the spurt and cruised the rest of the way.
LMU didn’t register an attack percentage through the first two sets combined. The team’s 15 kills were offset by 15 errors.
The Beach claimed the opening set, 25-18. LBSU doubled up LMU, 14-7, to open the set and maintained the advantage through most of the frame.
The 49ers will open Big West Conference play at home Saturday night against a red-hot Cal State Fullerton team riding a seven-match winning streak. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Titans (11-3) defeated No. 21 San Diego on Wednesday for the program’s second victory ever against a top 25 opponent.
The Beach has won the last 55 meetings with CSUF and leads the all-time series, 77-4, dating back to 1966.
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