Hawaii captures NCAA men's volleyball national championship
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LOS ANGELES. Hawaii defeated UC Irvine in the NCAA men’s volleyball championship match on Monday night, rallying after an opening-set loss to win 15-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-20 at Pauley Pavilion; Kristian Titriyski finished with a match-high 16 kills and Louis Sakanoko provided key contributions.
The Rainbow Warriors completed a program-record 30-win season and claimed their third national title since 2021, with Sakanoko named tournament Most Outstanding Player; UC Irvine’s season ended following an unexpected tournament run that included upset wins over higher-seeded teams earlier this week.
More context
Timeline
- 1. UC Irvine upset Penn State and UCLA in five-set matches during earlier tournament rounds.
- 2. UC Irvine beat Ball State in the semifinal to reach the NCAA final for the first time since 2013.
- 3. Hawaii defeated Long Beach State in the other semifinal to advance to the championship match.
- 4. On Monday night at Pauley Pavilion, Hawaii rallied after the opening set to beat UC Irvine in four sets.
- 5. Hawaii completed a 30-win season, earned its third national championship since 2021, and had Louis Sakanoko named Most Outstanding Player.
Why it matters
Hawaii's victory is a testament to resilience and teamwork. It's a reminder that even after a setback, success is possible with determination. If you're a volleyball fan, this could inspire you to join a local league or encourage your kids to try the sport.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
