LONG BEACH, Calif. — No. 3 Long Beach State enters an away-and-home Big West series against No. 18 CSUN, opening Friday night on the road before returning to the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid on Saturday. At 14-4, the Beach bring one of the nation’s most disruptive combinations of service pressure and net defense into a matchup against a ranked Matadors squad built on offensive balance and tempo.<\/p>\n
RIGHT AWAY
\n\u2022 No. 3 Long Beach State first heads to Northridge, Calif. on Friday and then returns home to the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid on Saturday to face No. 18 CSUN in a two-match Big West series.<\/p>\n
\u2022 At 14-4 overall, Long Beach State is hitting .350 as a team, ranking second in the Big West, while holding opponents to just .215, third in the conference. That two-sided efficiency is the backbone of everything they do.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The separation starts at the service line, where Long Beach State ranks 1st in the Big West and 1st nationally in aces per set at 2.58. With 160 total aces, the Beach consistently create immediate pressure that forces opponents into predictable, out-of-system swings.<\/p>\n
\u2022 That pressure carries to the net. Long Beach State leads the Big West and ranks 3rd nationally in blocks per set at 2.61, establishing one of the most physical and disciplined blocking units in the country.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Offensively, the Beach remain balanced and efficient in both kills (12.18 per set) and assists (11.31 per set), numbers that reflect a system built on distribution rather than reliance on one scorer.<\/p>\n
IN THE RANKINGS
\n\u2022 Long Beach State sits No. 3 in the AVCA National Collegiate MVB Poll, firmly in the top tier of the country and positioned in the middle of a tightly packed national race.
\nOn the national stage, the Beach are ranked:
\n\u2022 No. 1 in aces per set (2.58)
\n\u2022 No. 3 in blocks per set (2.61)
\n\u2022 No. 7 in hitting percentage (.350)
\n\u2022 No. 14 in opponent hitting percentage (.215)<\/p>\n
Within the Big West, Long Beach State’s profile is just as strong:
\n\u2022 1st in aces
\n\u2022 1st in blocks
\n\u2022 2nd in hitting percentage
\n\u2022 3rd in opponent hitting percentage<\/p>\n
Individually, the Beach continue to show up across the conference leaderboard: THE MATCHUP \u2022 Their attack is built on balance and volume. Jalen Phillips leads the way at nearly 4 kills per set, serving as the primary outlet in high-pressure situations. Jordan Lucas and Hank Kaufman add stability on the pins, each capable of producing consistent offense.<\/p>\n \u2022 At setter, Owen Douphner drives the system at over 10 assists per set, distributing quickly and forcing defenses to respect every option across the net.<\/p>\n \u2022 This sets up a contrast in styles. CSUN wants rhythm, pace, and full offensive distribution. Long Beach State wants disruption, pressure, and control.<\/p>\n \u2022 The match will hinge on first contact. If the Beach can continue to serve at a high level and keep CSUN out of system, it limits the Matadors’ ability to spread their offense and turns the match into a more predictable, defensive battle.<\/p>\n TEAM IDENTITY \u2022 That pressure translates into efficiency. When the Beach control first contact, they score at a high rate and shorten matches. Eleven of their fourteen wins have come in straight sets, showing their ability to close once they establish control.<\/p>\n \u2022 The defensive identity reinforces everything. Opponents are hitting just .215 against Long Beach State, rarely finding sustained offensive rhythm.<\/p>\n \u2022 Against a team like CSUN, that identity becomes even more important. The longer rallies extend, the more opportunities CSUN has to distribute and find matchups. The Beach’s goal is to prevent that from ever happening.<\/p>\n INDIVIDUAL IMPACT \u2022 Jake Pazanti<\/a>, R-Fr., S \u2022 Jackson Cryst<\/a>, Fr., MB \u2022 Alex Kandev<\/a>, So., OH \u2022 Wojciech Gajek<\/a>, Fr., OPP
\n\u2022 Alex Kandev<\/a> ranks 1st in the nation and in the Big West in service aces (0.64 per set)
\n\u2022 Jackson Cryst<\/a> ranks 2nd in blocks (1.06 per set)
\n\u2022 Jake Pazanti<\/a> ranks 3rd in assists (9.72 per set)
\n\u2022 Skyler Varga<\/a> ranks 5th in hitting percentage (.356) and 2nd in points (4.18 per set)<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 CSUN enters the weekend at 12-6, bringing one of the more efficient offenses in the conference. The Matadors are hitting .349 as a team and averaging 12.84 kills per set, numbers that put them right in line with the top offensive groups in the Big West.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Long Beach State’s identity is rooted in pressure. The Beach hold a massive advantage from the service line, with 160 aces compared to just 53 allowed, consistently flipping momentum before rallies even begin.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Skyler Varga<\/a>, Sr., OH
\nOne of the most complete players in the conference, averaging 3.17 kills per set while hitting .356 and producing 4.18 points per set. A six-rotation presence who stabilizes the offense and can take over stretches.<\/p>\n
\nA top-three setter in the Big West at 9.72 assists per set. His ability to manage tempo and distribute efficiently is a major reason the Beach offense ranks among the most balanced in the conference.<\/p>\n
\nA rising force in the middle, hitting .483 while ranking 2nd in the Big West in blocks at 1.06 per set. His presence at the net is central to Long Beach State’s defensive identity.<\/p>\n
\nThe most dangerous server in the country, ranking 1st in the nation at 0.64 aces per set while adding 2.49 kills per set. A true two-way impact player.<\/p>\n
\nFresh off his second Big West Freshman of the Week honor, Gajek is emerging as a major offensive weapon. He is averaging 2.63 kills per set on the season and elevated that to 4.75 kills per set during conference play last weekend, showing his ability to deliver in high-level matches.<\/p>\n