The last time the Long Beach State women’s volleyball team lost to Cal State Fullerton, “Raiders of the Lost Arc” was a recent box office hit.
Three Indiana Jones sequels and three decades later, senior outside hitter Caitlin Ledoux’s return to action would not be spoiled and the ‘Niners 57-match win streak against CSUF would remain intact as the co-captain wasted little time making her presence felt Saturday night.
LBSU (10-6, 4-2 Big West Conference) continued its dominance over the Titans (8-9, 3-2 Big West) at the Walter Pyramid with a 25-18, 25-20, 21-25, 25-11 victory.
After missing six matches due to a shin injury, Ledoux led the ‘Niners attack, recording 17 kills, including the first and last of the match. She completed her third double-double of the season, adding 11 digs on .324 hitting.
The Beach made quick work of the Titans in the decisive frame after dropping the third. The 25-11 onslaught included an eight-point run with Ledoux serving.
The ‘Niners used a five-point streak to end the contest, capped by two Ledoux kills.
“It feels good,” Ledoux said. “[The court] is where I like to be. Everyone’s attitude has been great with me coming back. It is hard to fill in for somebody.”
Sophomore middle blocker Haleigh Hampton and junior outside hitter Janisa Johnson also provided double-doubles for the Beach. Hampton came up big at the net with 13 kills and 10 blocks on .417 hitting. Johnson contributed 12 kills and 10 digs while hitting .235.
The Beach relented its control of the match only in the third set, surrendering runs of five consecutive Fullerton points twice in the frame and falling, 21-25.
LBSU controlled the match, outhitting the Titans .328 to .122, including a .467 to .000 thrashing in the clincher.
Junior outside hitter Kayla Neto paced the Titans with 13 kills and 10 digs, but hit only .061. Senior outside hitter Jennifer Edmond also had 13 kills on .226 hitting.
“The level of performance was good enough it just was not the speed we want,” LBSU head coach Brian Gimmillaro said. “We can go a lot faster; we just have to be more efficient with our feet.”
He added: “Caitlin did great; it was nice to have her back. You can see the maturity level out there; she is in control.”
The ‘Niners return to the court Friday to host UC Davis (18-3, 4-2 Big West) at 7 p.m.
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