Friday, January 16
Columbus, Ohio
1 p.m. ET
Long Beach State University
4-0,0-0Big West
3
vs
0
George Mason
0-3,0-0EIVA
1
2
3
F
Long Beach St.
25
25
25
3
George Mason
21
16
15
0
No. 2 Long Beach State Sweeps No. 20 George Mason As Dominance Builds Set By Set In Columbus
1/16/2026 12:14:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
A neutral-site test turns into another straight-set statement as the Beach stays unbeaten and untouchable in 2026
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- No. 2 Long Beach State continued its flawless start to the 2026 season Friday afternoon, sweeping No. 20 George Mason in a neutral-site match at Ohio State's Covelli Center in the Beach's first ranked matchup of the year. Long Beach State claimed the match 25-21, 25-16, 25-15, improving to 4-0 on the season and remaining perfect through the early nonconference slate without dropping a single set.
The opening stretch tested Long Beach State's patience more than its talent. A handful of service errors kept George Mason within reach early, preventing the Beach from creating immediate separation. Even with the early turbulence, LBSU stayed composed in system and leaned on its physical presence at the net to close the door late in the frame, pulling away for a 25-21 set-one win.
From there, the tone shifted decisively. In the second set, Long Beach State elevated every aspect of its game, proving untouchable to the Patriots. The Beach hit .409 in the frame as setter Jake Pazanti, this week's Big West Freshman of the Week, distributed the offense with tempo and balance, finishing the match with 31 assists. Daniil Hershtynovich and Alex Kandev consistently terminated in transition, while the block and floor defense fed off one another, turning George Mason swings into scoring runs. The Beach raced to a 25-16 win as the Patriots struggled to find clean looks against the imposing LBSU front line.
That control carried straight into the third set. Long Beach State dictated play behind relentless serving pressure and a suffocating block, continuing a season-long trend of overwhelming opponents at the net. The Beach finished the match with 14 total team blocks, led by Ben Braun's seven and six apiece from Hershtynovich and Kandev, while holding George Mason to a .108 hitting percentage on the night. Skyler Varga added three service aces and chipped in eight kills as LBSU closed out the sweep emphatically.
Hershtynovich was named Man of the Match after leading all players with 11 kills on a .500 hitting percentage while anchoring the block. Varga and Kandev each finished with eight kills as Long Beach State once again showcased its offensive depth and defensive identity. With four straight sweeps to open the season and its first ranked win secured, the Beach have come to Columbus and sent a clear message: Long Beach State is setting the standard early in 2026.
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The opening stretch tested Long Beach State's patience more than its talent. A handful of service errors kept George Mason within reach early, preventing the Beach from creating immediate separation. Even with the early turbulence, LBSU stayed composed in system and leaned on its physical presence at the net to close the door late in the frame, pulling away for a 25-21 set-one win.
From there, the tone shifted decisively. In the second set, Long Beach State elevated every aspect of its game, proving untouchable to the Patriots. The Beach hit .409 in the frame as setter Jake Pazanti, this week's Big West Freshman of the Week, distributed the offense with tempo and balance, finishing the match with 31 assists. Daniil Hershtynovich and Alex Kandev consistently terminated in transition, while the block and floor defense fed off one another, turning George Mason swings into scoring runs. The Beach raced to a 25-16 win as the Patriots struggled to find clean looks against the imposing LBSU front line.
That control carried straight into the third set. Long Beach State dictated play behind relentless serving pressure and a suffocating block, continuing a season-long trend of overwhelming opponents at the net. The Beach finished the match with 14 total team blocks, led by Ben Braun's seven and six apiece from Hershtynovich and Kandev, while holding George Mason to a .108 hitting percentage on the night. Skyler Varga added three service aces and chipped in eight kills as LBSU closed out the sweep emphatically.
Hershtynovich was named Man of the Match after leading all players with 11 kills on a .500 hitting percentage while anchoring the block. Varga and Kandev each finished with eight kills as Long Beach State once again showcased its offensive depth and defensive identity. With four straight sweeps to open the season and its first ranked win secured, the Beach have come to Columbus and sent a clear message: Long Beach State is setting the standard early in 2026.
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Team Stats
LBSU
GMU
Kills
35
27
Errors
8
19
Attempts
63
74
Hitting %
.429
.108
Points
57.0
28.5
Assists
33
24
Aces
8
0
Blocks
14
1.5
Game Leaders
Kills
11
Aces
1
Blocks
6
Kills
8
Aces
3
Blocks
2
Kills
8
Aces
2
Blocks
6
Players Mentioned
OPP
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