Long Beach State University defeated UC Santa Barbara 3–1 in women’s volleyball on Oct. 9. The Beach recovered from losing the first set to win 23–25, 25–18, 25–19, 25–18. It was the Gauchos’ first loss in Big West play this season.
How the game unfolded
Sidney Hamaker led Long Beach State with 14 kills and five service aces. Madi Maxwell recorded 30 assists, 17 digs and seven blocks. Pola Bujnarowska added 10 kills while hitting .615.
The Beach used a balanced second-set attack to reverse the early result. Long Beach State finished the match 12–3 overall and 4–1 in conference play. UC Santa Barbara ended the night 8–8 overall and 4–1 in the Big West.
CSB Take
Long Beach State responded to the opening-set loss with three complete sets to close the match. Service pressure and defensive work helped support the attacking response. Santa Barbara’s review should focus on the points that changed the second set, when the match began moving away from its early position.
