No. 3 Long Beach State didn't just return. They returned with a statement. Sweeping Lindenwood University in their 2026 season opener, they proved once again why they're the reigning champs.
New Era, Same Dominance
It's a new dawn under head coach Nick MacRae. Taking over from the legendary Alan Knipe, MacRae’s debut was nothing short of a spectacle. "Firsts in life are amazing," MacRae shared. "I’m excited to progress this season." And progress they did.
With fresh faces like redshirt freshman setter Jake Pazanti and middle blocker Jackson Cryst, The Beach looked unstoppable. Pazanti dished out a game-high 24 assists, while Cryst commanded the net with six blocks. Oh, and Gajek Wojciech? Six kills to kickstart his college career.
The Varga Show
Skyler Varga, the senior opposite, wasn't about to let Lindenwood spoil the party. His nine kills, including two clutch finishes and a blistering ace, were pivotal. "Everyone has Varga circled," MacRae noted, and you could see why. With Varga in top form, The Beach took the first set 25-21.
Momentum Shifts
The second set? Pure Beach. Down early, a 16-5 run flipped the script. Kandev and Wojciech combined for eight kills, sealing the set at 25-16. Lindenwood had no answer.
When the third set got dicey, trailing 15-13, who stepped up? Cryst. A thunderous kill and solo block tied it up, and from there, The Beach never looked back.
Looking Ahead
This was just the start. With MacRae at the helm and a mix of seasoned stars and promising newcomers, Long Beach State is poised to run the show this season. And if this opener was any indication, the rest of the NCAA should be on high alert. Straight up dominant.
That'll do it.
Source: lbcurrent.com
