COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS : Northridge Sweeps Chapman Away

The instructions were clear and concise. Members of the Cal State Northridge men’s volleyball team need only bring track shoes for today’s practice.

Prior to Wednesday night’s 15-8, 17-15, 15-2 victory over Chapman in a nonconference match at Northridge, Matador Coach John Price warned his team that each unforced attacking error would result in a lap run at practice.

Some players don’t like the idea.

“I can’t make it to practice because I have a sore throat,” CSUN outside hitter Scott Brecker said. “Besides, my shoulder is killing me.”

Said Price without hesitation: “You won’t need your shoulder; I guarantee it.”

After an easy victory over a Division II opponent, Price’s players may not be running that much after all.

“I’m unhappy that it took a threat to get them motivated,” Price said. “I don’t like to coach that way.”

But it worked. CSUN (14-17) jumped out to a 9-4 lead in the first game and finished Chapman off, 15-8, behind four kills and a service ace by Brecker.

The Matadors fell behind 1-5 in the second game, but six consecutive serves by Kien Do brought CSUN back. At 15-15, kills by Do and outside hitter Ron Lin closed out the game for CSUN.

The third game was never close, with the Matadors racing to an 11-2 lead and completing the sweep on kills by middle blocker Jeff McClean and setter Mike Bird.

Bird and Do led CSUN with nine kills each. Brecker and McClean each had eight.