The University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warrior volleyball team became the fifth consecutive team to repeat as NCAA champions, taking down Big West rival and 2018 and 2019 champions Long Beach State 25-22, 25-21 and 25-20. The NCAA Championship was held on May 7 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. This was the third straight title match appearance for UH, beating BYU in straight sets in 2021 and falling to Long Beach State in four sets in 2019 (no NCAA tournament in 2020 due to COVID-19).
The ‘Bows got to the championship after taking down Ball State in a five-set marathon semifinal match, and defeating North Greenville in the opening round in straight sets. UH ended the season with a 27-5 record, while the Beach fell to 21-6.
Sophomore outside hitter and second team All-American Spyros Chakas led the Rainbow Warriors with 14 kills. Sophomore opposite and All-American honorable mention Dimitrios Mouchlias added 11 kills and sophomore outside hitter Chaz Galloway contributed eight kills.
Big West Player of the Year and first team All-American junior setter Jakob Thelle commanded the offense with 31 assists and contributed two service aces.
The NCAA Championship match marked the fourth time UH and Long Beach State met this season, and was a rematch of the Big West Championship, which the Rainbow Warriors won in Honolulu in straight sets.
For more, visit the UH Mānoa Athletics website.
