10 Set Semifinal
10 Set Semifinal
It took every set possible, but the championship match is set.
It is a good thing today is an off day because yesterday was a marathon. When all the dust settled, it was the pre-tournament favorites, Long Beach and UCLA, who emerged victorious.
In the first match, UCLA hit .404% on their way to their 5-set win. Ethan Champlin showed why he earned a spot on the USA roster for VNL. Champlin finished with 19 kills (.469%) and 13 digs, both of which were team highs. He also added in 4 assists, 1 ace, and a block (for good measure).
For UC Irvine, AVCA National Player of the Year, Hilir Henno did all he could for the Anteaters. His 22 kills and 9 digs were team-highs as well. Even though UCLA is known for their serving, UCI out-aced the Bruins 6-4. Henno may not be a senior, but I wouldn’t be shocked if this was his final collegiate match. His talents would likely be welcome on countless professional teams.
For the second match, Long Beach used the home court to pull off a reverse sweep to make it to the championship. Aces were the major story here as Long Beach had the advantage 7-2.
Stepping up on the biggest stage, Skyler Varga led all players with 20 kills. To add to the Beach’s strength, Simon Torwie added 3 aces and 9 blocks. Let’s not forget one of the most important stats. Mason Briggs, Libero for USA Volleyball, hit 1.000% getting his first kill of the season.
This will surely go down as an all-time great team for Grand Canyon. The incredibly successful senior class may not have achieved the ultimate prize, but they have shaped this program into something of note. That is no small achievement for a team so young, compared to the rest of the field in the semifinals.
The stage is now set for Saturday. UCLA. Long Beach. Two titans going head-to-head in a can’t-miss match. Get your snacks ready and make sure you get ESPN 2. It’s almost time to crown the next champion.
Match Recaps
Non-conference
UCLA (70%) def. UC Irvine (30%)
3-2 (22-25, 25-20, 25-16, 18-25, 15-12)
Long Beach (64%) def. Grand Canyon (36%)
3-2 (24-26, 26-28, 25-18, 25-23, 15-10)
Match Projections
No matches today. Championship is on Saturday.