Lindenwood's men's volleyball team had their work cut out for them.
Facing off against #3 Long Beach State in their season opener, this wasn't just any match; it was a test against one of the nation's elite. And let's be real, Long Beach State was a problem.
Long Beach State Takes Charge
From the first serve, Long Beach State showed why they're ranked third in the nation. They came out swinging, quite literally, and Lindenwood had no answer for it. The Beach took the match in straight sets (25-18, 25-16, 25-17). That’s what you call handling business.
Kyle Hobus led the charge for Long Beach with a clinic on the court, delivering 11 kills with a .500 hitting percentage. When you've got a player like Hobus running the show, things get difficult for the opposition. And just like that, Lindenwood found themselves trying to keep up.
Lindenwood's Struggles
For Lindenwood, it was a tough night. Keagan O'Brien and AJ Lewis did what they could, but against a team like Long Beach, you need more than just effort. O'Brien dished out 17 assists, trying to find any rhythm for his hitters. Lewis added 8 kills, but it wasn't enough to break through Long Beach's defense.
The stats tell the story. Long Beach State had a .429 team hitting percentage, compared to Lindenwood's .156. That's straight up dominant from the Beach.
What's Next for Lindenwood?
After this opener, Lindenwood knows they need to regroup and focus on the fundamentals. The MIVA conference games ahead will be crucial. They’ve got to tighten up their game if they want to compete at a higher level.
As for Long Beach State, this win wasn't just a victory; it was a statement. Opponents, consider yourselves warned. That’ll do it.
Source: lindenwoodlions.com
