Kyman, CSUN Sweep San Diego in Volleyball Conference Opener

Coley Kyman, a senior preseason All-American middle blocker, had 13 kills to lead Cal State Northridge’s volleyball team to a 15-3, 15-2, 15-12 victory over host UC San Diego on Saturday night in a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opener in La Jolla.

Kyman, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee two weeks ago, told Coach John Price before the match he would play as long as the knee didn’t bother him.

“I was real impressed with the way we performed, especially when you consider not having (preseason All-American) Ken Lynch,” Price said. “It was bad enough losing one All-American, but losing two would have been a strain.”

With outside hitter Lynch nursing a bad back, Kyman stepped up and made 13 of 22 kill attempts. Senior middle blocker Jamal Thompson added 12 kills. Axel Hager, CSUN’s third preseason All-American, and Cameron Green each had 10.

The Matadors were ranked fourth in an NCAA preseason poll, and Price said he hopes the dominance they showed against the Tritons (0-4) carries over to matches against No. 8 Brigham Young on Monday and Tuesday.

“I was real happy,” he said. “We executed real well. This may sound stupid, but we usually don’t do that.

“We played hard. This may be a sign of new times.”