Steller performance lifts Anteaters

LONG BEACH — The most difficult lineup decision UC Irvine men’s volleyball coach John Speraw and his staff make for every match this season is also the easiest.

For much of the year, the Anteaters’ starting opposite hitter has not been 2008 second-team All-American Jon Steller, who was by far the team leader in kills as a junior.

Steller, however, appears to have regained his starting assignment from this year’s kill leader, freshman Carson Clark — at least for the moment.

Steller led the visiting ’Eaters to a 34-32, 32-30, 28-30, 30-27 victory over No. 7-ranked Long Beach State in a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and “Black and Blue Rivalry” match Friday at the Walter Pyramid.

The 6-foot-7 veteran had a team-high 19 kills (hitting .361), a season-high six block assists, three digs and one ace serve to help No. 5-ranked UCI improve to 6-2, 3-1 in the MPSF.

“I like that [Steller] has kept his focus and competitive edge while Carson was starting,” Speraw said. “[Steller] didn’t complain and he just kept working hard in practice. When he got his shot, he went out there and made it happen. That’s what all bench guys have to do. That’s a hard thing to do, because you want to go out there and play and your ego gets involved, and you can get bummed out. I’ve been there. During my playing days [at UCLA], I spent most of my time [on the bench], so I know what that’s like. But you just have to keep in mind that this is about the team and the team winning.”

Steller said he has done just that, even supporting Clark, who chipped in three kills in six opportunities Friday.

“Whatever is best for the team,” Steller said. “Carson is really fun. I love that guy. I think [the situation] just makes us both more competitive. If he plays, I’m there to go in and serve, and if I play, he’s there to go in and block. I’m sure in all the games he has played, he has hit for a high percentage and when I’ve played, I’ve done well, too.”

UCI did better than well in the blocking department, posting an 18-11 edge in total blocks. The ’Eaters had four triple blocks (three players aligned to thwart a kill attempt), while the 49ers (3-3, 2-1) had none.

Middle blockers Bryan Simmons and Kevin Wynne had eight and six block assists, respectively, while outside hitter Jordan DuFault had five block assists to go with the team’s only two solo blocks.

“Man, 18!” Speraw said when looking at the stat sheet. “For whatever reason, we’re stuffing a lot of balls this year and I like it. It’s just awesome.”

UCI rallied from a 27-23 deficit to claim the first set and erased a 21-18 Long Beach lead in the second to set the stage for its first victory in the Pyramid in at least five seasons (the ’Eaters have won at Long Beach during that span, but that was in the Gold Mine gym).

UCI was down, 23-18, in the third set, pulled even at 26, but saw the hosts pull away to avoid the sweep, an outcome they achieved against UCI in a tournament contest on Jan. 9.

UCI saw what was a six-point lead close to 26-24 in the clinching set, before closing out the match.

DuFault had 16 kills and senior Taylor Wilson added 11, as senior setter Ryan Ammerman had 43 assists to go with his four block assists.

“We played well when it was tight,” Speraw said. “Even at the end of Game 4, when we had that lead and they made that run, we didn’t get tight. We just made a couple more plays and sided out to win.”

Dean Bittner had 25 kills to pace the 49ers.

“Long Beach is probably our biggest rival, so we come in here wanting to beat them more than anyone,” Steller said.