Long Beach State began their 2026 season with a dominating 3-0 victory over Lindenwood, showcasing their strength after winning the 2025 national championship. The Beach set an early tone, exhibiting strong play that led them to control each set. The match highlighted outstanding performances by Wojciech Gajek and Alex Kandev, who helped secure the win in front of their home crowd.
By the NumbersLong Beach State recorded 12 team blocks during the match.Skyler Varga and Alex Kandev each contributed nine kills, leading the team offensively.The Beach hit .338 collectively, while Lindenwood struggled with a .000 hitting percentage. Yes, But
Despite the sweep, Long Beach State faced moments of vulnerability, particularly in the competitive third set where Lindenwood momentarily took the lead, revealing potential areas for improvement.
State of PlayLong Beach State starts the season unblemished at 1-0, following their championship title.The Beach effectively utilized their blocking and offensive efficiency to dominate the match. What’s Next
Looking ahead, Long Beach State will face No. 13 McKendree in their next match, where they’ll look to maintain their momentum and further improve their performance on the court.
Bottom Line
Long Beach State’s strong season opener reveals both their championship prowess and areas needing refinement, setting a solid foundation as they aim for continued success this season.