Though not a household sport for most Bruins fans, the UCLA men’s volleyball team repeated as NCAA champions on Saturday. Taking down Long Beach State University 3-1, the Bruins were crowned by regular and post-season champions in the NCAA Division I.
The Bruins’ first back-to-back in volleyball, they take home their 21st national championship. Ten more than the Bruins basketball team, UCLA’s success in volleyball deserves more recognition than it gets
Led by head coach John Speraw, who won his second title with the Bruins over the weekend, UCLA cemented itself as men’s volleyball heavyweights in the NCAA. Behind 12 kills and two blocks by freshman Micah Wong Diallo, the Bruins cruised to their title.
🏆 BACK TO BACK 🏆@uclamvb are National Champions for the second year in a row! #NCAAMVB pic.twitter.com/2e6NmBAhaF
— NCAA (@NCAA) May 5, 2024
Outside of women’s basketball, there has been little to celebrate in UCLA sports. With UCLA football beginning its rebuild and UCLA basketball retooling its team, the men’s volleyball team is a reminder that the biggest and best teams in Westwood matter.
Eying a three-peat in 2025, the Bruins look to continue their success and continue to make their presence known on campus.