The Cal State San Bernardino volleyball team made its 2008 debut and what a debut it was. The team trounced defending Division II national champion Concordia-St. Paul 25-19, 25-23 and 25-17. And it really wasn’t that close.

The Bears started the season ranked No. 1 while the Coyotes entered at No. 4. What was impressive was that the Coyotes defeated a strong opponent without playing their best. They were good, especially for the first match of the season. But they still didn’t play at the level they have played at in the past. But they’re well on their way.

Coach Kim Cherniss used 12 players, all of whom contributed. Beaumont native Jessica Granados was the star with 23 kills on an impressive hitting percentage of .486. It is even more noteworthy given the quality of the opposition.

Yucaipa High graduate Sara Rice had nine kills. Sara Hoffman had 40 assists and senior libero Meghan Haas anchored the defense with 14 digs.

Next up is a 7:30 p.m. match Friday against Shippensburg (Penn.). It will be the last of four matches on the day.

Should the Coyotes win all three matches this weekend they should move up to the top spot in the next poll early next week.

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