Long Beach State University Athletics
Friday, January 30
Malibu, Calif.
6 p.m.
Long Beach State University
8-0,0-0Big West
3
at
1
Pepperdine
4-2,0-0MPSF
1
2
3
4
F
Long Beach St.
25
20
30
27
3
Pepperdine
20
25
28
25
1
No 2. Long Beach State Stays Perfect With Road Win At No. 6 Pepperdine
1/30/2026 9:35:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
Beach earn first top-10 victory of the season against the Waves
MALIBU, Calif. -- No. 2 Long Beach State men's volleyball passed its first top-10 test of the season on Friday night, earning a four-set road win at No. 6 Pepperdine to remain unbeaten at 8-0 overall.
The Beach set the tone early in the opening frame, using steady sideout play to build separation late. Skyler Varga and Ben Braun each put down key kills during a late run, while Jake Pazanti kept the offense balanced to prevent Pepperdine from gaining momentum. Long Beach State closed the set on a strong finish to take a 25-20 lead and establish control.
Pepperdine responded in the second frame, using a mid-set surge and added pressure from the service line to flip momentum and even the match with a 25-20 decision.
The third set was a battle of resolve. With the score locked and pressure rising on every rally, Skyler Varga delivered key swings in transition to keep the Beach level, while Daniil Hershtynovich stepped to the line for a critical service ace during the closing stretch. After trading points deep into extra play, Alex Kandev sealed the set with a service ace, giving Long Beach State a 30-28 win and shifting momentum firmly in the Beach's favor.
The fourth set followed a similar script, featuring constant swings and double-digit ties deep into the frame. Daniil Hershtynovich provided a spark with multiple kills in tight moments, while Long Beach State's block, highlighted by touches from Varga and Jackson Cryst, slowed Pepperdine's offense down the stretch. With the score knotted late, the Beach elevated defensively and closed the door on a 27-25 finish, sealing the road victory in one of the toughest environments they will face this season.
Skyler Varga led all players with 18 kills while hitting .417 and added eight digs and three block assists. Daniil Hershtynovich finished with 15 kills and seven digs, while Ben Braun chipped in six kills and key touches at the net. Setter Jake Pazanti directed the offense to 51 assists as Long Beach State totaled 55 kills and hit .300 as a team.The Beach created separation at the service line as well, recording 10 aces.
Through eight matches, Long Beach State is hitting .407 as a team and holding opponents to a .175 clip while averaging 12.65 kills per set.
The win marked the team's first top-10 victory of the season and its third road win overall. The undefeated Beach will next take on fellow unbeaten No. 1 UCLA on Friday, February 6, in their first rematch since the 2025 National Championship won by the Beach. First serve is set for 7 p.m. at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.
The Beach set the tone early in the opening frame, using steady sideout play to build separation late. Skyler Varga and Ben Braun each put down key kills during a late run, while Jake Pazanti kept the offense balanced to prevent Pepperdine from gaining momentum. Long Beach State closed the set on a strong finish to take a 25-20 lead and establish control.
Pepperdine responded in the second frame, using a mid-set surge and added pressure from the service line to flip momentum and even the match with a 25-20 decision.
The third set was a battle of resolve. With the score locked and pressure rising on every rally, Skyler Varga delivered key swings in transition to keep the Beach level, while Daniil Hershtynovich stepped to the line for a critical service ace during the closing stretch. After trading points deep into extra play, Alex Kandev sealed the set with a service ace, giving Long Beach State a 30-28 win and shifting momentum firmly in the Beach's favor.
The fourth set followed a similar script, featuring constant swings and double-digit ties deep into the frame. Daniil Hershtynovich provided a spark with multiple kills in tight moments, while Long Beach State's block, highlighted by touches from Varga and Jackson Cryst, slowed Pepperdine's offense down the stretch. With the score knotted late, the Beach elevated defensively and closed the door on a 27-25 finish, sealing the road victory in one of the toughest environments they will face this season.
Skyler Varga led all players with 18 kills while hitting .417 and added eight digs and three block assists. Daniil Hershtynovich finished with 15 kills and seven digs, while Ben Braun chipped in six kills and key touches at the net. Setter Jake Pazanti directed the offense to 51 assists as Long Beach State totaled 55 kills and hit .300 as a team.The Beach created separation at the service line as well, recording 10 aces.
Through eight matches, Long Beach State is hitting .407 as a team and holding opponents to a .175 clip while averaging 12.65 kills per set.
The win marked the team's first top-10 victory of the season and its third road win overall. The undefeated Beach will next take on fellow unbeaten No. 1 UCLA on Friday, February 6, in their first rematch since the 2025 National Championship won by the Beach. First serve is set for 7 p.m. at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.
Team Stats
LBSU
PEP
Kills
55
52
Errors
19
13
Attempts
120
117
Hitting %
.300
.333
Points
71.0
73.5
Assists
51
50
Aces
10
8
Blocks
6
13.5
Game Leaders
Kills
18
Aces
1
Blocks
3
Kills
15
Aces
3
Blocks
2
Kills
8
Aces
1
Blocks
1
Players Mentioned
MB
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