USC Cruises Past Belmont Abbey in Honolulu NCAA Opener: Trojans Sweep 3-0

Honolulu didn't play neutral for USC — it played like a home office with paperwork due.

NCAA.com game hub →

Line score

25-18, 25-20, 25-21 — USC advances.

Dillon Klein led the Trojans with 11 kills, with Cooper Keane adding 10 kills and seven digs, and Sterling Foley chipping nine kills, per USC's recap lane. The Trojans hit .417 and limited Belmont Abbey to .153 — efficient, adult volleyball.

For the Crusaders, Zach Puentes led with 12 kills, per USC's game notes lane — respect for the Conference Carolinas representative on the big stage.

What came next

The win lined up Saturday's regional final against No. 2 Hawaiʻi — the matchup that would eventually produce 9,943 fans and a 32-30 fourth-set fever dream on the islands.

Sources

• NCAA.com — USC vs. Belmont Abbey (6598548)
• NCAA.com — championship hub (May 1)
• USC Athletics — NCAA opener recap
• Orange County Register — regional finals snapshot

United Volleyball Network — May 2, 2026.