No. 2 Long Beach State men’s volleyball secured a significant road victory against No. 6 Pepperdine, winning in four sets to maintain their unbeaten season record at 8-0. The match was marked by key performances from Skyler Varga and Daniil Hershtynovich, who played pivotal roles in securing the win. After a tight battle, Long Beach State took control in the third set, ultimately sealing the match with a close finish in the fourth. This win represents their first victory against a top-10 team this season.
By the NumbersSkyler Varga led the team with 18 kills at a .417 hitting percentage.Long Beach State racked up a total of 51 assists and 10 service aces during the match. State of PlayLong Beach State remains unbeaten at 8-0 and tops the Big West standings.The win marks the team’s third road victory, highlighting their resilience in difficult environments. What’s Next
Long Beach State will face No. 1 UCLA on February 6, in what is anticipated to be a high-stakes rematch following their previous victory in the 2025 National Championship.
Bottom Line
Long Beach State’s impressive performance against Pepperdine underscores their status as a top contender this season, setting the stage for a crucial match against UCLA that could have significant implications for their championship aspirations.