Against USC, CSUN Hoping to Sustain Its Momentum

The Cal State Northridge women’s volleyball team, winner of the UC Irvine tournament over the weekend, will play USC in its first home match of the season at 7 tonight.

Northridge opened its first season under Coach Lian Kang Lu with victories over Fresno State, UC Irvine and Southwest Missouri State in the Irvine tournament, but tonight’s match against the 15th-ranked Trojans (2-1) is expected to be its toughest yet.

The Matadors are 1-15 against USC, including an 0-5 mark since moving to the NCAA Division I level in 1990.

The Trojans opened the season with a 16-14, 15-13, 15-13 victory over Fresno State last Thursday, but fifth-ranked Ohio State beat them, 15-12, 15-4, 15-13, on Friday.

USC defeated Loyola Marymount, 15-11, 15-7, 15-10, on Saturday.

Seniors Missy Clements, Aimee Stone and Heather Anderson led Northridge in the Irvine tournament.

Clements had a combined total of 50 kills and 28 digs, and fellow left-side hitter Stone contributed 41 kills, 27 digs and 12 blocks.

Anderson, the team’s right-side hitter, had 38 kills--with a .388 hitting percentage--along with 35 digs and 20 blocks.

The Matadors, who play only six of their 25 matches at home this season, will compete in the San Diego State tournament Friday and Saturday.

Northridge will play 17th-ranked Arizona on Friday, followed by matches against San Diego State and Hofstra on Saturday.