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Bruinette88's avatar

Set 2: UCLA 25, LBSU 14

LBSU continued to struggle to run its offense, primarily because the Bruins are applying so much pressure with their serve. But LBSU cleaned up its block in set 2 which kept them in touch early. Then UCLA turned up the intensity and jumped to a comfortable 8 point lead which later increased to double digits. The Bruins are playing superbly while LBSU is subpar. Unless LBSU wakes up, this match will be over very soon.

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Bruinette88's avatar

Set 3: UCLA 25, LBSU 19

LBSU starts set 3 with a service error but immediately fires back with its best offense of the day. But the Beach has no answer for the Bruins’ offense, and only keeps pace early with a couple scrappy attacks.

LBSU is finally playing well, but so far it’s only keeping them in touch with the Bruins. UCLA keeps inching further ahead; up 4 after 3 straight kills by Rowan, the UCLA setter, and then up 5, 15-10, at the timeout.

LBSU fights back behind a string of strong serves. But UCLA recovers after a timeout and trades points with the Beach to reach 20 first with a 3 point cushion.

The Bruins then close out the set (and match!) confidently. UCLA sweeps Long Beach State to advance to the National Championship against the winner of semifinal 2 between Penn State and Hawai’i.

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Bruinette88's avatar

It would be extremely difficult to pick an outstanding player from the semifinal. This squad is a true team with each player knowing and performing their roles; it’s a team that is greater than the sum of its parts. That said, freshman setter Andrew Rowan is so steady and smart in his quarterbacking of the UCLA attack, it’s hard not to see his contribution as the key to UCLA’s success today.

This UCLA team is such a joy to watch. I hope Bruins fans will tune in for the final.

Go BRUINS!

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Bruinette88's avatar

To view a full match replay,

https://youtu.be/IZvOqFTdkrc

To view the match highlights,

https://youtu.be/IvZLeOS7HCQ

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