No. 3 Long Beach State overcame a first-set loss to secure a 3-1 victory against No. 13 UC San Diego on the road, demonstrating resilience and strategic execution. After dropping the opener 25-23, Long Beach found its rhythm in the following sets, highlighting strong performances from players like Daniil Hershtynovich and Alex Kandev. The Beach’s offensive adjustments and improved defensive plays allowed them to dominate the final three sets, ultimately finishing the match 29-27, 25-21, and 25-20.
By the NumbersDaniil Hershtynovich: 16 killsAlex Kandev: 12 kills, 17 total pointsLong Beach State team hitting percentage: .310Long Beach’s second-set win: 29-27 after an intense back-and-forth battle Yes, But
Despite the victory, Long Beach struggled initially, as UC San Diego’s efficient offense posed challenges, forcing Long Beach to adapt mid-match, showcasing vulnerabilities that could be exploited in future contests.
State of PlayLong Beach State remains competitive in the rankings at No. 3 following this win.UC San Diego drops to No. 13, reflecting a tougher outing despite their strong first-set performance. What’s Next
Long Beach State will look to maintain momentum in upcoming matches, focusing on building greater consistency to solidify their position as championship contenders. Details of their next opponents remain to be announced.
Bottom Line
The ability of Long Beach State to adjust and dominate following a setback underscores their championship potential, hinting at a promising trajectory moving forward in the season.