A bit of role reversal was going on Tuesday as the No. 2 Matadors swept past New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)3-0 in the first of three non-conference opponents for CSUN at the Matadome this week.

After the Matador starters cruised to an easy 30-14 first set win, they spent the rest of the match cheering on their teammates from the bench.

‘It was fun to see them celebrate on the bench,’ said opposite hitter Theo Edwards who played the last two sets and finished the match with 13 kills, 4 digs and 2 assists.

The biggest cheering literally and figuratively came from junior Jacek Ratajczak who stood next to the coaches for most of the match in support of the reserves.

‘I tried to energized them,’ said Ratajczac.’Especially since there wasn’t too many people in the stands.’

Even Ali’i Keohohou did something he is never allowed to do, serve. Rules do not permit a libero position to serve, but since junior Kaleo Baxter took over his libero duties Keohohou was allowed to serve in the third set against the Highlanders.

‘Ali’i is always talking about how he wants a chance to serve,’ said sophomore setter Jeff Baxter. ‘ He is always in the coaches ear about that so is cool that coach gave him a chance to serve.’

Leading the way for the reserves was a pair of setters junior Shane Nelson who pounded 15 kills and Baxter who directed the Matador attack with 33 assist.

‘We have a swagger as a second team,’ said Baxter. ‘ We
are kinda cocky about it because we battle the first team everyday in practice… We know that if we get a shot we are going to do good.’

The Matadors continue their seven match homestand today against Lees-Mcrae.