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collegeRecap· Spring 2026

Upsets Shake NCAA Volleyball's Top 5 Teams

By UVN StaffPublished April 18, 2026Event · April 18, 20263 min read
Upsets Shake NCAA Volleyball's Top 5 Teams

📷 ncaa.com (File photo)

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Top Teams Toppled but Not Broken

Week 14 of NCAA volleyball was a rollercoaster that left fans clutching their seats. Three of the top 5 teams felt the sting of unexpected upsets, only to roar back on night two, proving why they're still the ones to beat. If you thought the standings were set in stone, think again. This week was a seismic shake-up that no one saw coming.

Pepperdine's Resilience

Let's start with Pepperdine, the team that refuses to back down. After their big win against Stanford, they're not just a team on the rise; they're a full-blown threat. Their victory was not just a win; it was a statement. This squad is here to challenge every top dog standing in their way. The Waves are riding high, and they’ve got their eyes set on taking down more giants as the postseason looms.

UCLA's Unstoppable Streak

Meanwhile, UCLA continues its winning streak, leaving teams like Menlo and UC Merced in the dust. This run isn't just about racking up wins; it's about momentum. With every match, they're building a case for a championship run that seems more likely by the day. Can anyone slow them down? That's the million-dollar question.

UC Irvine's Championship Aspirations

Then there's UC Irvine, quietly making waves of their own. With solid performances against teams like CSUN, they're not just in the conversation; they're changing it. This isn't just a good team; it's a potential championship team. As we approach the tournament, the question isn't if they'll contend but how far they'll go.

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Long Beach State’s Dominance

Long Beach State continues to be the wrecking ball of the league, consistently sweeping past opponents like UC Santa Barbara. Their dominance isn't just impressive; it's downright intimidating. As the conference tournaments approach, the stakes are sky-high. Will they maintain this streak and secure a top spot? Only time will tell.

The BYU Threat

Finally, BYU is making noise with decisive wins over Southern California. Their recent sweep isn't just a victory; it's a declaration of intent. They're not just participating in the conference title race; they're leading it. With every match, they solidify their position as the team to beat.

The Road Ahead

With upsets shaking things up and top teams proving their mettle, the race to the postseason is tighter than ever. Every match counts, and every team knows it. The question isn’t just who will win but who will adapt, who will rise, and who will seize the moment.

For a deeper dive into the highlights, check out the extended highlights of the Arizona vs. Purdue Elite Eight NCAA tournament match below.

This isn't just volleyball; this is the stuff legends are made of. So buckle up, because Week 15 is coming, and with it, more drama, more surprises, and more unforgettable moments.

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Source: Volleyball Magazine

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