LONG BEACH STATE NOTEBOOK / JASON REID : Hardships Catch Up to 49ers at Region Final

They pushed forward through more obstacles than they had ever faced, but the roadblock from the Midwest ended the trip.

The 49ers were thwarted in their quest to win their second consecutive national women’s volleyball title when Ohio State overpowered them, 15-5, 14-16, 15-9, 15-5, in the Northwest Region championship match Saturday at The Gold Mine.

Long Beach was trying to make its fourth consecutive appearance in the final four. Long Beach’s 27-6 record was its worst since 1988 (26-7). Long Beach had won at least 30 matches the last three seasons.

Considering the challenges they faced, though, the 49ers had a remarkable season.

This was the 49ers’ least talented team in several seasons. Long Beach lost three starters to graduation from its 1993 title team, including national player of the Danielle Scott, an outside hitter, and All-American setter Joy McKienzie.

Long Beach was still the class of the Big West Conference, winning its fourth straight title with a 16-2 record. The only other team to win four in a row was Hawaii (1987-90).

However, the conference race was draining. Long Beach lost two matches the previous three seasons combined. The 49ers didn’t wrap up the title until their final conference match against Pacific.

Moreover, the team was affected by the illness and death of the father of senior middle blocker Traci Dahl.

Gary Dahl died Wednesday of lung cancer and pneumonia. Dahl, a first-team all-conference selection, played in Friday’s five-set regional semifinal victory over Hawaii and in the final Saturday.

“I’m not taking anything away from Ohio State, but I think everything finally just caught up with us,” Coach Brian Gimmillaro said. “With all that has taken place this year, it was just too much.”

Although the 49ers shouldn’t become a doormat next season, a steep drop in success isn’t out of the question.

Big West player of the year Nichelle Burton, an All-American outside hitter, Dahl and defensive specialist Prentice Perkins have completed their eligibility.

Brita Schwerm, a junior outside hitter, was selected first-team all-conference and should become a bigger force next season. She finished third on the team in kills with 413 and kills per game at 3.47. Schwerm joined Burton on the all-region team.

Starters Heather Hofmans, a sophomore setter, and Kristin Harris, a freshman outside hitter, also return. What’s more, Newport Harbor’s Misty May, one of the top recruits in the nation, has committed to Long Beach. May, an outside hitter, probably will play setter for the 49ers.

Still, Gimmillaro said a rebuilding phase begins next season.

“We’re going to go with some young talent and see if we can develop back into a championship team,” he said. “After six years of being at the top and near the top, you have to expect this.”

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Saying goodby: The entire volleyball team and coaching staff attended funeral services Monday for Dahl at St. Barnabas Church in Long Beach.

“An amazing number of people were there,” Gimmillaro said. “He certainly was a loved man.”

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On a roll: The women’s basketball team, way down the last two seasons, is 2-1 after consecutive nonconference victories over Southern Utah and Loyola Marymount last week.

The 49ers defeated Southern Utah on Monday, 88-74, and the Lions on Tuesday, 77-60.

“They’re starting to get an attitude,” Coach Glenn McDonald said. “They understand if you give the effort, then positive things are going to come.”

Long Beach leaves Saturday for games at No. 8 Colorado on Dec. 19 and Colorado State on Dec. 21.

“It’s an important trip,” McDonald said. “It would be nice to go in there and give a team like (Colorado) one hell of a game on their home court.

“I feel very comfortable with our players. I look at the matchups, and I feel that if we can go in there and play under control, we can be right in the game.”

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Top player: The Big West chose Melissa Gower, a senior center and co-captain, player of the week.

Gower had 36 points and 14 rebounds in the victory over Southern Utah and 27 points and 13 rebounds against Loyola Marymount. Gower, 6 feet 2, has team-leading averages of 28 points and 14.3 rebounds.

“I didn’t expect this, but I knew I could do it,” Gower said. “It’s just happening.”