Back To Back Big West Champions Eye National Title

Long Beach State Women’s Volleyball Returns Solid Core in 2023

Back-to-Back Big West Champions Eye National Title

Long Beach State women’s volleyball is poised for another run at the national championship in 2023 with the return of a solid core of players from last year’s Big West-winning squad.

The Beach won their second consecutive Big West title in 2022 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 38th time in program history.

Long Beach State returns four starters from last year’s team, including All-American setter Aylin Appel.

Key Returners

• Aylin Appel, setter
• Katie Kennedy, outside hitter
• Nele Barber, middle blocker
• Aidee Borema, libero

The Beach also welcomes a talented group of newcomers, including five freshmen and two transfers.

Long Beach State is ranked No. 12 in the AVCA preseason poll and is expected to contend for the Big West title again in 2023.

Schedule

Long Beach State opens the 2023 season on August 25th at the UC Santa Barbara Tournament.

The Beach will play a challenging non-conference schedule that includes matches against No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Stanford, and No. 3 UCLA.

Long Beach State’s Big West schedule begins on September 22nd at home against UC Davis.

Outlook

Long Beach State has a lot of talent and experience returning in 2023.

The Beach are poised to make another run at the national championship.

With a solid core of players and a challenging schedule, Long Beach State is a team to watch in 2023.