When the UCSD men’s volleyball team went up against the No. 13 Warriors of the University of Hawaii on March 29, the Tritons admittedly did not play their best match, losing in three straight games 30-26, 30-18 and 30-15. Luckily for the Tritons, the match was only the first of a double-header and the team vastly improved its play in the second match. UCSD made the Warriors work hard all night, but still lost in straight sets, falling by scores of 35-33, 30-27 and 30-19.
Junior middle blocker Stephen Shaw (top) helped the Tritons to challenge the University of Hawaii in the teams’ matches on March 29 and 30, but the Warriors won both contests in straight sets.
“”We wanted to be the team that made the most improvement between the first and second matches,”” head coach Kevin Ring said. “”We did not do enough to get the victory, but our improvement was definitely a good sign.””
The Tritons started the first match out strong, playing solidly on both sides of the ball late into the first game. After taking a late lead at 24-22, UCSD allowed the Warriors to go on an 8-1 run to turn the tables and reach game point at 29-25. The University of Hawaii would eventually close the game out and secure the initial frame of the match, 30-26.
The Warriors took control early in game two and showed why they are one of the highest-ranked teams in the nation. UCSD fell behind 10-17 and was never able to mount a comeback, falling in game two 18-30.
Game three was more of the same as the Warriors jumped out to a 22-9 lead before taking the final game and the match 30-15. The Tritons were unable to put any pressure on the University of Hawaii, and the Warriors responded by committing only one error and holding UCSD to a .062 hitting percentage.
The Tritons were led by two of their fantastic freshmen in the match, with outside hitter Will Ehrman knocking in 10 kills and outside hitter Jason Spangler adding eight. Senior setter Brooks Dierdorff continued to set his young teammates up, supplying 29 assists.
After the disappointing loss in the first match, the Tritons used the next one as a chance to prove to the fans at RIMAC Arena they were not going to fall without a fight. The Tritons had several opportunities to win games in the match, but were unable to capitalize and again fell in three games, 33-35, 27-30 and 19-30.
The first game of the match was a seesaw affair throughout, and the Tritons were nearly able to jump out to a one-match lead. UCSD led late into the match by a score of 23-19, but the Warriors were able to battle their way back to tie it at 27 apiece. The Tritons mustered a resounding response by pounding back-to-back kills courtesy of junior middle blocker Stephen Shaw and freshman middle blocker Frank Fritsch. The Warriors battled back and tied the score on consecutive blocks and then took a 31-30 lead on a kill. The University of Hawaii was able to control the end of the game, taking the back-and-forth frame by a score of 35-33.
After falling behind early in game two, the Tritons mounted a fierce rally and tied the game at 24 on back-to-back kills by Ehrman and Spangler. After a short Warrior run, UCSD again put the pressure on and drew within two points, 27-29. However, a service error ended the Triton threat and the Warriors secured a 30-27 victory and a commanding two-game lead.
UCSD seemingly ran out of gas after two hard-fought games, and the Warriors were able to control the pace and win the final game of the match 30-19.
UCSD was again led by freshmen standouts Spangler, Fritsch and Ehrman, who combined for 39 kills. Dierdorff led the team with a match-high 48 assists and sophmore libero Eric Leserman anchored the defense with 10 digs.
The pair of losses dropped the Tritons’ record to 5-19 overall and 2-16 in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play. The losses were also the eighth and ninth consecutive losses for the youthful Tritons.
While Ring is disappointed with the string of losses, he understands that the team must keep the season in perspective.
“”It’s natural to be disappointed when you are losing at this point in the season,”” Ring said. “”But we are playing in the toughest league in the nation and we view each match as a new opportunity and challenge that we can take advantage of.””
One thing Ring has been impressed with is the consistency and maturity that his young players have shown throughout the long season.
“”It is not easy to step out of a high school gym and into the toughest conference around,”” Ring said. “”These freshmen have responded to the pressure every night and played excellent volleyball the entire season. In the matches we have won, it was a case of several freshmen putting together big games for us.””
The freshmen on the team have not been the only bright spot thus far, and Ring was quick to give his veterans credit.
“”Brooks Dierdorff and Eric Leserman have really been a great influence on all of the younger guys on the team,”” Ring said. “”Whether it be showing the freshmen how to prepare for matches or stepping up and saying something when in the locker room, both guys have been great.””
The Tritons will continue MPSF play this week as they travel to Brigham Young University for a weekend doubleheader on April 13 and 14.
