No. 2 Long Beach State achieved a decisive victory, sweeping No. 9 Loyola Chicago with set scores of 25-21, 25-21, and 25-19 to clinch a spot in the Final Four. Despite some early pressure from Loyola, Long Beach displayed impressive offensive efficiency and control throughout the match, dominating in critical moments. Star player Skyler Varga led the way, consistently applying pressure and helping his team break their opponent's rhythm with strong serving and tactical plays. The match concluded with Long Beach maintaining superior sideout efficiency and capitalizing on service aces to secure a confident win.

By the Numbers
  • Long Beach State hit .369 as a team, while Loyola Chicago hit .371.
  • Skyler Varga recorded 14 kills on .520 hitting and contributed 2 service aces.
  • Long Beach registered 8 service aces compared to Loyola's 1.
  • Long Beach's sideout efficiency peaked at 75% in the third set.
  • Kellen Larson achieved a career-high 20 digs.
State of Play
  • Long Beach displayed dominant serving pressure, forcing Loyola into errors.
  • Long Beach's blocking came at crucial momentum moments, stalling Loyola's progress.
  • The team demonstrated balance across offensive distribution, making their approach unpredictable.
What's Next

Following this victory, Long Beach State will advance to the Final Four, where they will face tough competition. They must maintain their serving pressure and high sideout efficiency to continue their successful run. Coaches and players are likely focusing on refining strategies for upcoming matchups.

Bottom Line

Long Beach State's sweep against Loyola Chicago showcases their readiness for the Final Four, highlighting their strong serving, offensive balance, and clutch performance under pressure. Their ability to maintain rhythm in tight situations will be crucial as they aim for a championship.