No. 1 Long Beach State vs. No. 3 UCLA: A Clash for the 2025 National Championship
Date: Monday, May 12
Time: 4:00 p.m. (PT) | 7:00 p.m. (ET)
Arena: Covelli Center (Capacity: 3,700)
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: Watch on ESPN2
TV Talent: Paul Sunderland & Kevin Barnett
Live Stats: OhioStateBuckeyes.com
The Showdown for Glory
In the world of collegiate volleyball, anticipation is building! The #1 Long Beach State Beach (29-3) is set to take on the #3 UCLA Bruins (22-6) in a showdown at the 2025 NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship. This highly awaited match promises to be an exhilarating clash of titans on Monday, May 12, at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio.
The Road to the Championship
Long Beach State: The Mighty Beach
Unmatched Dominance: Long Beach State enters this championship match as the top-seeded team, boasting an impressive 29-3 record. Their consistent performance has earned them the No. 1 rank in the AVCA National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Poll for an astounding 14 consecutive weeks, receiving 14 first-place votes.
- Postseason Excellence: This is the 15th appearance for Long Beach State in the NCAA Tournament, where they have reached the Championship match 10 times. Historically, they’ve claimed three national titles (1991, 2018, 2019) and uphold a strong NCAA Tournament record of 18-11.
UCLA: The Resilient Bruins
Chasing History: Entering as the No. 3 seed, the Bruins are vying for their third consecutive national championship title. With a 22-6 record, UCLA’s resilience and past championship experience make them a formidable opponent.
- Tactical Firepower: The Bruins average 12.60 kills per set and boast a remarkable .369 attack percentage, showcasing their aggressive gameplay. Their defensive stats include a solid 2.42 blocks per set, vital in countering Long Beach’s dynamic offense.
Key Players to Watch
Long Beach State Stars
Moni Nikolov: The freshman sensation leads the team with 102 service aces, shattering records across the NCAA landscape. Nikolov’s contributions extend beyond serving; he averages 10.11 assists and 1.56 kills per set, establishing him as a versatile threat on the court.
- Skyler Varga: The team captain has been pivotal for Long Beach, averaging 3.48 points per set and maintaining a solid hitting percentage of .370. His intensive experience and leadership are invaluable assets to the Beach.
UCLA Talents
Andrew Rowan: The Bruins’ setter, Rowan, orchestrates their offense effectively, contributing 10.13 assists per set. His ability to connect with attackers like Cooper Robinson and Cameron Thorne will be crucial in maximizing their scoring opportunities.
- Cooper Robinson: Leading the Bruins with 3.55 kills per set, Robinson’s offensive prowess is vital for UCLA’s championship aspirations.
A Dive Into the Rivalry
This championship will mark the 107th encounter between Long Beach State and UCLA. Historically, UCLA holds a slight edge in the all-time series, leading 58-48. However, in recent matchups, the Beach has demonstrated their prowess by sweeping the Bruin’s during the regular season. This matchup will add another chapter to their storied rivalry, highlighting the intensity and excitement of collegiate volleyball.
The Final Countdown
Fans, prepare for a match that promises to deliver unforgettable moments! With both teams displaying remarkable skill, talent, and a rich history of competition, the 2025 National Championship will be a climactic showdown. Be sure to catch all the action on ESPN2 or follow live stats at NCAA.com.
Let’s rally behind our teams on May 12 as they battle for the coveted NCAA title. May the best team win! 🏐✨
