The air is electric. Long Beach State is rolling into the Big West semifinals with all the swagger of a No. 1 seed. Fresh off two wins against UC San Diego, they're not just in it to play. They're here to dominate.
Long Beach's Secret Weapon
Skyler Varga led the charge with 12 kills against UCSD. But here's the kicker: Long Beach isn't a one-man show. DiAeris McRaven added five kills and five blocks, showcasing why he was part of the 2024 Men's National Team. And Kellen Larson? Eight digs last match, proving he's a defensive rock.
This team isn't just deep. They're an ocean. With seven players linked to the National Team Development Program, Long Beach is essentially a breeding ground for the nation's best.
UCLA's Rollercoaster
Switching gears to UCLA, the Bruins are in an interesting spot. They're the top seed in the MPSF tournament, but just took a 3-0 hit from USC. Zach Rama dropped 18 kills on USC, but it wasn't enough. Andrew Rowan dished out 34 assists. Solid numbers, but they need more than stats to shake off that loss.
The Matchups Ahead
Long Beach will clash with UCSD again on April 25 at 7:30 p.m. PT, while UCLA faces Pepperdine at 5 p.m. PT. Both matches are must-see for different reasons. One team is defending their throne, the other is battling to regain their footing.
Long Beach State is heading into the semis with momentum. UCLA? They've got a point to prove. But here's the reality check: Long Beach is straight up dominant. You could feel it coming. And from there… it was over.
Source: USA Volleyball
