Long Beach, Calif. - A trio of freshmen tallied 33 of the team's 49 kills as the Long Beach City College women's volleyball team defeated San Diego Mesa, 3-1, in the season opener on Friday evening.

Jennifer Lias led the way with 13 kills, while Janieva Tauanuu and Caleyse Saunders added 10 kills apiece. Saunders earned a double-double with a team-high 14 digs.

Sophomores Kennedy Freeman and Abeni Williams-Lowery both were forces at the net, counting three and two blocks, respectively. And in the backcourt, sophomore Celestial Ropati tallied 13 digs with sophomore Lizbeth Lopez adding 11.

Freshman Karyzma Aualiitia directed the 5-1 offense with 29 assists, 11 digs, and two aces.

Long Beach (1-0) continues the 2021 season on Saturday, Aug. 28 at College of the Canyons. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.