Long Beach, Calif. (BTVN)— The LBS Financial Credit Union was buzzing with excitement as Long Beach State hosted the 2025 Big West Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Nov. 26, 28 and 29, filling the Walter Pyramid with the kind of electric postseason energy fans wait all year to experience.
For The Beach, the tournament was more than another opportunity to compete — it was a stage to show the conference how far they had come. Entering as the No. 3 seed, Long Beach State carried with them a wave of confidence earned through a strong regular season finish, a renewed sense of cohesion, and the unmistakable roar of their home-court advantage. Students, alumni, and families poured into the Pyramid draped in black and gold, a crowd that grew louder with every warm-up swing and pre-match huddle.
From the opening serve of the quarterfinals, The Beach made it clear they were locked in. Their offense swung with controlled aggression, their back row played with grit, and every point seemed fueled by the rhythmic chants echoing throughout the arena. Energy from the stands and passion on the court blended into a momentum that UC Irvine simply couldn’t slow down.
Long Beach State closed out the first round with authority, completing an impressive 3–0 sweep over the No. 6 seed Anteaters. From terminal kills to disciplined blocks, everything clicked. Fans rose to their feet as the final point hit the floor, celebrating The Beach’s advancement and the abrupt end to UC Irvine’s season.
Head Coach Natalie Reagan credited both the crowd and her team’s execution for the dominant showing. She praised “Long Beach Nation for coming out,” adding, “It’s always great playing in front of our home crowd. They give us a lift that you just can’t replicate anywhere else.”
With spirits high, The Beach headed into the semifinals against the formidable No. 2 seed Cal Poly. The matchup promised intensity, and it delivered. Long Beach battled through long rallies, emotional swings, and tactical adjustments as both teams traded momentum throughout the night. The Beach claimed a tightly contested second set to even the match, sending the Pyramid into a frenzy, but Cal Poly’s firepower and late-set composure proved decisive. Long Beach ultimately fell 3–1, ending their postseason run and closing the chapter on a remarkable 22–9 season.
Emotions filled the air after the final point. Players embraced with tearful smiles, coaches offered quiet words of encouragement, and fans remained in their seats long after the buzzer, applauding the team’s resilience and heart.
Senior Captain Elise Agi, reflecting on her journey, spoke with visible emotion. “Coming to Long Beach was the best decision I could have made,” she said. “I’m so grateful to my parents, the coaching staff that believed in me since day one, and to my teammates; they’re the heart of this entire experience. My heart is just full of gratitude.” Her words echoed the sentiment shared across the roster — pride in the season, appreciation for the support, and optimism for what’s ahead.
Cal Poly went on to defeat No. 1 seed UC Davis in the championship round, securing the title of 2025 Big West Women’s Volleyball Champions. But for Long Beach State, the ending wasn’t defined by disappointment. Instead, it marked a foundation for the future — proof that they can contend with the conference’s best and motivation to return even stronger.
As the Pyramid’s lights dimmed and fans filed out, The Beach walked off the court with determination already building for next season. They may have fallen short of a title, but their eyes are already set on the 2026 Big West Championship — a chase they fully intend to finish.
Speaking to the team’s future, Logan King noted, “This isn’t the end for us. It’s the beginning of what we know we can become. We’re coming back stronger, no doubt about it.”
