Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State University
6-0,0-0Big West
Fort Valley State
1-2,0-0SIAC
No. 2 Long Beach State Remain Unbeaten with Sweep of Fort Valley State
1/23/2026 9:39:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State remained unbeaten in the early stages of the 2026 season Friday night, sweeping Fort Valley State in straight sets inside the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.
Long Beach State 3, Fort Valley State 0
(25-13, 25-19, 25-10)
The Beach controlled the opening set from the outset, using steady sideout play and strong pressure from the service line to build separation. After early exchanges, Long Beach State put together a decisive scoring run highlighted by blocks at the net and service aces to pull ahead. The Beach closed the frame on an extended run, capitalizing on Fort Valley errors to take the set, 25-13.
Long Beach State continued to dictate play in the second set. The Beach jumped out to an early lead behind kills from Skyler Varga and Wojciech Gajek, while Jake Pazanti kept the offense balanced. A trio of service aces midway through the set helped Long Beach State stretch the advantage. Fort Valley State made a brief push, but the Beach responded with efficient sideout execution and closed the set on a service error to take a 2-0 lead.
The third set belonged entirely to Long Beach State, as the Beach caught fire from the service line. A run of aces and blocks quickly put Fort Valley State on its heels, allowing Long Beach State to open up a double-digit advantage. The Beach hit .867 in the frame and never let the Wildcats find rhythm, closing out the match with a 25-10 victory.
Varga led the Beach with five kills and a match-high seven aces, breaking his own career record for aces in a match, which he had previously set earlier this season against McKendree. Alex Kandev paced the offense with nine kills on a .533 hitting percentage, while Gajek added six kills. Ben Braun hit .800 with four kills on five swings, and Pazanti directed the attack with 21 assists while adding three aces. Defensively, Jackson Cryst anchored the net as the Beach totaled 15 team blocks.
Long Beach State improves to 6-0 on the season and will return to action tomorrow night at home against Long Island. The match will feature the Beach's national championship banner ceremony, with first serve scheduled for 7:30 p.m. inside the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.
