The Long Beach State men’s volleyball team’s quest for a third NCAA title in four seasons fell short Saturday in the National Championship match against Hawaii at Pauley Pavilion.

The Beach were a step slow on their block all night and fell in a sweep in three sets, 25-22, 25-21, 25-20.

Long Beach State was led by National Player of the Year Alex Nikolov’s 20 kills but were out-blocked 9-2 by the Rainbow Warriors, who won their second consecutive national title.

Both teams return almost their entire rosters and will be the favorites to make it to next year’s NCAA championship at George Mason University (LBSU will host the 2024 NCAA Final Four at the Walter Pyramid).

Long Beach State men’s volleyball goes for NCAA title tonight