New Lineup Can’t Help Matadors Avoid Repeat

New faces. Same results.

Well, not exactly the same. The Cal State Northridge men’s volleyball team did show some signs of life and played well for stretches during Wednesday night’s 15-6, 15-13, 15-13 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation loss to Pepperdine before 476 at Matador Gym.

Setter Dan Nash, playing his first match of the season, and outside hitter Jason Hughes were in the lineup for the first time together this season, but the Waves beat the Matadors for the second time in three weeks.

Nash quit the team last summer and returned last week. Hughes had been academically ineligible until last week.

“Right now we are struggling just a little because we didn’t have a consistent lineup,” said outside hitter Collin Smith. “Subbing guys in and out makes it tough on team chemistry.”

Nash seemed to help the chemistry while he was in. He entered with Northridge trailing, 5-3, in the second game, and the Matadors rallied for a 13-11 lead before losing.

In the third game, Nash came in with the Matadors down, 7-1, and they took another 13-11 lead before losing.

“I think we needed him,” Smith said. “He’s a fireplug.”

Smith, who led Northridge (5-3, 3-3) with 21 kills and a .368 hitting percentage, said he was glad the Matadors came back in the final two games, even though they didn’t win.

“It was really frustrating, but I’m glad we didn’t just roll over,” he said. “We showed a lot of heart in coming back.”

While Nash made a positive impact, Hughes did not. The senior, playing in his second match of the season, had a negative-.167 hitting average.

“We need Jason to play well, not great, for us to win,” said Northridge Coach John Price. “Hopefully Hughes will never do that ever again. As long as he lives.”

Fifth-ranked Pepperdine (4-2, 3-1) got 18 kills from George Roumain, 15 from Kevin Barnett and 11 from Peter Kodacsy.