Long Beach State, with a record of 22-4 and ranked No. 3 nationally, enters the Big West Semifinals boasting a dominant first-contact game. The Beach lead the nation in service aces, control the net with stellar blocking, and maintain a high .348 hitting percentage. Following recent accolades for their student-athletes, they seek to continue their momentum against either CSUN or UC Irvine, where their ability to dictate the match will be critical to success.

By the Numbers
  • Long Beach State leads the nation with 214 service aces (2.30/set) and allows only 74 aces.
  • They maintain a hitting differential of +.133, hitting .348 while holding opponents to .215.
  • The Beach average 2.70 blocks per set, giving them a total block advantage of 251-130 over opponents.
State of Play
  • Long Beach State faces either No. 18 CSUN or No. 5 UC Irvine in the Big West Semifinals after a first-round bye.
  • They have previously defeated both potential opponents this season, showcasing their current form.
  • The Beach's serve-and-block identity positions them favorably against teams reliant on offensive volume.
What's Next

As Long Beach State looks ahead to the semifinals, their focus will remain on controlling the first contact to dictate match tempo. Whichever opponent emerges, the emphasis will be on leveraging their superior service pressure and blocking capabilities to secure a win.

Bottom Line

Long Beach State's national leading stats in service aces and blocking underscore their potential for advancing further in the tournament. Maintaining this level of performance and capitalizing on first-contact opportunities will be crucial for their postseason success.