Northridge’s Newfound Chemistry Outclasses USC

If Friday night’s opener is any indication, the Cal State Northridge men’s volleyball team is going to have a better season than many would think.

The Matadors may have lost their two top hitters and setters from the 1995 team, but they gained two valuable assets that squad did not possess: chemistry and intensity.

On Friday night at Matador Gym, those qualities made the difference as the Matadors beat USC, 15-11, 13-15, 15-4, 15-1.

Northridge was pumped up for its game against the Trojans. All night the Matadors dove for shots and sprinted to chase down balls that seemed out of reach.

Midway through the first game, outside hitter Jason Hughes dove on a courtside media table in an effort to save a shot. The effort worked and the Matadors got the point after a long rally.

Northridge players also exchanged high-fives and pats on the back. They clearly got along better than last year’s team, which was beset by numerous personality clashes.

“We communicate really well on the court this year and there’s good team unity,” said Hughes, a 6-foot-7 junior from Royal High who also started last season. “There’s even friendship among players. It’s great.”

Northridge jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the first game, but USC threatened the Matadors with an 8-2 run.

With his team ahead, 12-11, Hughes served Northridge’s last three points, including the game-winner that was returned long by USC’s Steve Loeswick. Hughes had a match-high 29 kills.

“They may have lost a bunch of players, but they’re still a talented team with great players,” USC Coach Jim McLaughlin said. “They don’t do anything fancy, but they can play.”

But not good enough in the second game when the Matadors trailed throughout and appeared to have a chance of winning it at the end.

Down, 14-10, Northridge fought off eight USC game points and scored three of its own before finally losing.

In the third game, the Matadors jumped out to a 6-1 lead and didn’t fall behind. Senior middle blocker Ed Bond served for the Matadors’ last three points. Senior outside hitter Chris Gil blocked Trojan Gabe Gardner’s hit for the game-winner.

The Matadors were on a roll in the fourth game, scoring the first 10 points.

“I like what I saw tonight,” Northridge Coach John Price said. “I really like this team’s work ethic, and that it will do whatever it takes to win.”

Northridge junior outside hitter Collin Smith had 23 kills, and sophomore Chad Strickland had 20. Bond had 19 kills.