Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 7:09
Long Beach State women’s volleyball team continued their strong Big West campaign with a decisive victory over rival Cal State Fullerton. Playing in front of approximately 2,000 fans at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid, The Beach captured all three sets on Friday, Oct. 23.
The game began with intense back-and-forth action as neither side wanted to surrender the initial lead. A block by freshman middle blocker Kyler Birkelbach combined with a Titans error gave Long Beach State an early advantage. Head coach Natalie Reagan noted that forcing opponents into tips provided crucial momentum and improved team communication.
Reagan adjusted the lineup by moving graduate middle blocker Reagan Hope primarily to the right side. Hope delivered a standout performance, tallying 11 kills alongside sophomore outside hitter Sidney Hamaker. The Beach closed out the first set 25-19, finishing with 17 kills and only five errors.
The second set followed a similar competitive pattern before Long Beach State pulled away. After trading points early, a kill from freshman outside hitter Chloe Johnson sparked a six-point run. Freshman setter Sibley Oster attempted to rally Cal State Fullerton, but the Titans could not contain the sustained offensive pressure. Long Beach State won the second set 25-15.
The third set saw the Beach dominate from the outset. Following consecutive errors from the Titans, Long Beach State built a nine-point lead. An assist from Birkelbach to Maxwell extended the gap further. Hope sealed the match with a final kill, capping off a 25-13 set win and completing the sweep.
This matchup highlights the ongoing rivalry within the Big West Conference. With the next meeting scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, at Titan Gym in Fullerton, both programs will look to gain crucial conference standings before the postseason.
Long Beach State enters the matchup with a 15-4 overall record and a 7-2 conference mark. Cal State Fullerton sits at 6-16 overall and 1-8 in league play. The series continues to be a key fixture in Southern California collegiate athletics.
Defensive blocks, strategic lineup adjustments, and consistent attacking ultimately decided the contest. The Beach will now travel north to face the Titans again in a highly anticipated rematch this weekend.
