Nikolov dominates UCLA to lead Long Beach State to first-ever NCAA volleyball crown

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Posted by AI on 2025-05-13 09:21:35 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-07 15:48:45

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With impressive dominance, elite blocker Georgi Nikolov powers Long Beach State to a three-set sweep over top-seeded UCLA to claim the program's first-ever NCAA volleyball championship.

The NCAA volleyball tournament concluded with a bang, as the unlikely No. 4-seeded Long Beach State swept No. 1 UCLA 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-22) to claim the program's first-ever national championship. Behind an impressive outing from elite blocker Georgi Nikolov, the Beach offense was too much for the Bruins to handle.

Nikilov keyed a balanced Long Beach attack, picking up 18 kills on a impressive .455 hitting percentage. The two-time Big West Player of the Year dominated at the net, coming up with several huge blocks at crucial moments. His dominance was reflected in the final stats, as he accounted for six of the Beach's nine blocks.

But it wasn't just Nikolov carrying the load, as the entire Long Beach State team showed up ready to play. On the offensive end, the balanced attack was firing on all cylinders, with five players registering seven or more kills. Senior opposite Jaylen Jasper led the way with 19 kills, while sophomore middle blocker Tim Laursen added eight kills on a robust .571 hitting percentage.

The defensive efforts were also notable, with junior libero Matt Tapogna registering 20 digs and senior setter Josh Tuaniga collecting 39 assists. The team as a whole boasted a impressive .345 hitting percentage, while also registering nine blocks and 12 digs.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Long Beach State's championship run has been the rapid turnaround under head coach Alan Knipe. The team had a rough 2021 season, finishing eighth in the Big West Conference with a disappointing 8-8 record. But the team's performance this year was a testament to the incredible impact a coach can have on a roster.

This title will now go down in history as the moment that sparked Long Beach State's volleyball dominance a legacy forged through the hard work, talent, and leadership of players like Georgi Nikolov and coach Alan Knipe.

Ultimately, the NCAA volleyball championship came down to a battle of the big men, with Nikolov's dominance proving to be the difference-maker in the team's historic championship run. A new volleyball powerhouse has emerged, and Long Beach State stands at the forefront.

Stay tuned for more exciting coverage of NCAA volleyball and all the exciting action as the Beach look to build on this historic championship.

Thank you for following along with our coverage of this year's NCAA volleyball tournament.

May each point played and every thrilling rally that electrified fans everywhere, remind us all of the greatness and beauty that sports can bring to our lives.

Go!