The top dogs aren't budging. Long Beach State and UCLA are straight up holding their ground in the DI/II ranks, and they're not just winning. They're making statements.
Long Beach State: No Mercy
Long Beach State handled business yet again, sweeping Sacred Heart 3-0 and gearing up to face CSUN on March 14. Skyler Varga led with 12 kills, while Alex Kandev served up 5 aces. These guys? No answer for them.
DiAeris McRaven and Ben Braun are showing why they're part of the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program. McRaven put down five kills and three blocks against Sacred Heart, while Braun added two kills, an assist, and an ace. They've got depth like no other.
UCLA: Robinson Runs the Show
Over at UCLA, the Bruins swept Stanford in back-to-back matches. Cooper Robinson was a force, hammering 15 kills in each match and snagging AVCA Player of the Week honors. This kid? Different.
With Trent Taliaferro stepping in for an ill Andrew Rowan, UCLA didn't miss a beat. Expect more fireworks as they face Vanguard twice this weekend.
Zach Rama, another key figure, was on fire with three aces against Stanford. These guys are gearing up for a challenging end to the season with matches against Pepperdine, GCU, BYU, and USC. And from there… it gets real.
The Takeaway
Long Beach and UCLA are showing no signs of slowing down. They're the real deal, and the rest of the league better take notice. With their next matches lined up, the stage is set for more dominance. Expect fireworks.
Source: USA Volleyball
