UCI’s Pestolesi shines in first Big West setback

LONG BEACH — UC Irvine women’s volleyball team suffered its first Big West Conference loss as the Anteaters fell to Long Beach State 30-21, 30-26, 28-30, 30-23 Saturday at the Pyramid.

Freshman outside hitter Kari Pestolesi totaled 21 kills and a career-high 20 digs, while junior outside hiter Lauren Kellerman had 16 kills for UCI (12-5, 2-1 in conference).

Devon Sutherland, the Anteaters’ junior libero, added 18 digs. UCI senior middle blocker Kristin Kelley paced the team with six block assists. Freshman outside hitter Larissa Nordyke totaled a personal-best four aces and seven digs for the Anteaters.

Three 49ers reached double-digit kills with Quincy Verdin and Alexis Crimes putting in 17 apiece.

Talaya Whitfield topped all players with 24 digs, while Nicole Vargas handed out 45 assists for Long Beach State (9-5, 3-1).

Crimes topped the 49ers with 11 blocks, including three solo blocks.

UC Irvine returns to action Tuesday, when it play at USC in a nonconference match.

— From staff reports