Long Beach defeated Hawaii in the first clash for the top spot! 🔥
In front of a sold-out "SimpliFi Arena" at the "Stan Sheriff Center," which gathered 10,300 spectators, the #1 ranked Long Beach State (LBSU) volleyball team secured sole first place in the Big West conference after a 3:1 (25:21, 25:18, 18:25, 25:21) away victory over #4 Hawaii.
Match development

LBSU started the match with a strong 6:1 lead and did not relinquish it until the end of the first set, despite it being contested. At 22:17, an attack by Skyler Varga forced Hawaii to take a timeout, and shortly after, an attack by Alex Kundev closed the set at 25:21.

The second set also proceeded under the dictation of Long Beach. The only tie was at 1:1, after which the visitors quickly pulled ahead 10:4 after an ace by Kundev. At 13:7, Hawaii again called a timeout after a block by Varga and Brown. A 5:0 point run made the score 21:14 and LBSU smoothly closed the set at 25:18 for a 2:0 lead.

Hawaii showed character in the third set and did not allow itself to be swept. The hosts were more effective in attack (.375 vs .192) and after several ties and lead changes, closed the set with a strong 5:1 point run for 25:18.

The fourth set was the most contested, with 10 ties. An ace by substitute Ryan Peluso tied the score at 16:16. A crucial 4:0 point run for LBSU gave them a 22:20 lead. The match was finally decided after a double block by Alex Kundev and DiAeris McRaven for the final 25:21.

⭐Alex Kundevwas outstanding with 19 points (3 aces, 1 block) and 44% attack efficiency.
🎯Moni Nikolovrecorded 6 points (3 blocks) and distributed 38 balls without error! Nikolov also contributed significantly in defense and at the net, finishing with the most digs on the team (7, same as libero Kellen Larson).

❌For Hawaii, Christian Titriyski did not participate due to injury, so the "Bulgarian" derby did not take place.
👉Following their victory, Long Beach takes sole possession of the lead in the standings with a 6-1 recordwhile Hawaii remains at 5-2 before the second match of the series. 🏐👑
🔥 The second match is crucial for the hosts – with a win, they will draw level with the leader and keep their chances for first place in the Big West! However, if Long Beach wins again, they will secure an advantage before the final weekend of the regular season. 💥