UCSD dropped to 6-14 overall and 3-12 in the MPSF, still searching for its first road victory in league play at 0-7. Long Beach State won its current conference-best sixth straight contest to move to 14-4 overall and 12-3 in the MPSF. It was the third LBSU success in three meetings between the teams in 2013.

Sophomore outside hitter Nick Iorfino produced a team-high 11 kills for UCSD while Cheyne Hayes added eight. Vaun Lennon contributed six kills off the bench in his first appearance since Feb. 16. Chase Frishman had five digs and Garrett Dempsey 28 assists.

"When you play the third-ranked team in the country on their home court, you need to come in and get off to a good start to set the tone for the match," said UCSD head coach Kevin Ring. "Unfortunately, LBSU controlled the play early in game one and never looked back.

"We were not deterred and played a really good second game. We had good balance between our three pin hitters as Vaun (Lennon), Nick (Iorfino) and Cheyne (Hayes) chipped in with five, six and four kills, respectively (in the set). After falling behind early in game three, we steadied out and played even with them for the remainder, but playing even with LBSU wasn't enough to win when you fall behind early. Nick Iorfino and Chase Frishman both played well for us this evening."

Long Beach State junior outside hitter Taylor Crabb led all players with his 16 kills, reaching double figures for a 16th consecutive match. He made zero errors on 23 swings for a .696 attack percentage. The 49ers hit .507 (42-7-69) as a team, a season high for a Triton opponent in 2013.

The competitive second frame saw a back-and-forth latter half with tie scores coming at 17-17, 18-18, 19-19, 20-20, 21-21, 22-22 and 23-23. A Lennon kill gave UCSD first shot at set point, but Crabb answered. Dueling service errors ensued for 25-25 as the Tritons failed to capitalize on a second set point.

UCSD earned a third and final set point on a Hayes kill, but again, the home side fended it off, this time through a Dalton Ammerman kill. Finally, LBSU forced consecutive Triton attack miscues to take the game and the commanding 2-0 lead.

The 49ers did not trail in either the first or third sets.

UCSD next plays at No. 7 Cal State Northridge this Friday, Mar. 8. First serve at The Matadome is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Triton Notes: Chase Frishman's team-high five digs pushed him over the 600 mark for his career, now at 601 ... Frishman thus moved into sole possession of third on the all-time list at UCSD, six from tying Chris Mortimer (2000-03) for second ... Nick Iorfino reached double figures in kills for the sixth time in 2013 and 11th time in his career ... Sebastian Brady and Vaun Lennon played in tonight's match after missing the last two and three contests, respectively, through injury ... Brady started at a middle blocker spot ... Freshman setter Grant Currey made his college debut, appearing in all three sets and contributing three assists.

-- UCSDtritons.com --