The No. 3 Long Beach State men's volleyball team just served notice. Two sweeps to open the season. And not just any sweeps. We're talking about handling business against Lindenwood and McKendree without dropping a single set.
Second Set Showdown
The Beach had no trouble against McKendree, but the second set? Chaos. Skyler Varga and company had to claw their way back from a three-point deficit. Eight set points for McKendree? No problem. Varga's seven aces were the exclamation points.
"We needed that fight," Varga said. "Even if we lost the set, the battle shows our championship grit."
Varga's On Fire
Varga was a revelation. Nine kills, a .368 hitting percentage, and those seven aces. This guy's not just playing NCAA ball; he's coming off a stint with Team Canada in the Volleyball Nations League. He’s seeing the game differently now — faster, sharper.
"International play is faster," Varga shared. "NCAA feels slower, but it helps me read and react."
Depth on Display
Nick MacRae's squad isn't just about the starting six. Freshman Wojciech Gajek and Daniil Hershtynovich made their marks. Hershtynovich, fresh off an injury, led with 12 kills, hitting nearly .400. MacRae praised his physicality and resilience.
Alex Kandev and Connor Bloom added depth from the bench, while middle blockers like Ben Braun and Jackson Cryst made their presence felt, hitting at .500. This team? Deep and dangerous.
What's Next?
Long Beach State looks ready to defend their crown. They’re showing depth, resilience, and a hunger that’s palpable. Keep your eyes on Varga and the Beach this season. They're not just contenders. They're the real deal.
And just like that... the rest of the NCAA is on notice.
Source: the562.org
