The dynamic duo of sophomore Joshua Nehls (Warren HS) and freshman Andrew Pearson (Huntington Beach HS) combined for 29 kills to lead Long Beach City College to its 10th straight win as the Vikings beat visiting El Camino College 21-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 on Friday night in a Western State Conference match.
With the victory, the Vikings improved to 10-2 overall and 3-0 in the WSC.
Long Beach had to come from behind in Set 4 to prevent a deciding fifth. The Vikings trailed 20-17 late but back-to-back errors by El Camino followed by an ace by freshman Neil Taitano tied up the set at 22-22. A kill by Nehls followed by another Warrior attack error gave LBCC match point. After an El Camino block got the Warriors witin one, Nehls secured the victory with the final kill.
Pearson carried the Vikings early as he totaled 10 of his 14 kills during the first two sets. He added eight digs and three blocks. Nehls finished off the Warriors, as he slammed down 11 of his match-high 15 kills over the final two sets. He also added six digs and two blocks.
Sophomore Charles Belvin (Lakewood HS) came off the bench to post nine kills while sophomore Cesar Renteria (Bell HS) totaled eight kills and four blocks.
With the loss, El Camino fell to 5-6 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Pedro Campos, Peter Nordell, and Nehemiah Iosia all had 12 kills to lead the Warriors.
Long Beach returns to action on Wednesday (Mar. 16) when the Vikings travel to Santa Monica College for a 6 p.m. conference match.
