It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially when it’s to the seniors who’ve poured their hearts into the game. But here’s where it gets emotional: UC San Diego’s women’s volleyball team celebrated three of their own—Katie Rapp, Jasmine Saran, and Kayla Uhlick—in their final home match at LionTree Arena, even as they faced a tough three-set loss to Long Beach State. The Tritons (6-23, 4-13 Big West) fought valiantly but ultimately fell to the Beach (20-8, 13-4 Big West) with set scores of 21-25, 17-25, and 11-25. Yet, this match was about more than just the score—it was a tribute to the dedication and legacy of these seniors.
Leading the charge for the Tritons was Molly McCluskey, who delivered a team-high 12 kills, while Jasmine Saran and Ireland McNees each chipped in with four kills. McNees also stood out defensively with five digs, and Mika Rome orchestrated the offense with 23 assists. Saran’s five blocks were a highlight, showcasing her all-around impact on the court. But here’s where it gets controversial: Despite the Tritons’ edge in blocks (6-5), Long Beach State’s dominance in aces (6-3) and digs (31-26) proved to be the difference-maker. Is it fair to say the Tritons could’ve turned the tide with stronger serving and defensive consistency? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Long Beach State jumped ahead early in the first set with a 7-4 lead, but UC San Diego fought back to tie it at 11-11 thanks to McCluskey’s kills and a block by Rapp and Saran. The Beach responded with a 5-1 run, and though the Tritons closed the gap to 21-20, LBSU sealed the set 25-21. In the second set, the teams were neck-and-neck until 9-9, when Long Beach State capitalized on Triton errors and pulled away with an 8-1 run. A late rally by UC San Diego, sparked by Saran and Maria Fernanda Afonso off the bench, wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit, and the Beach took the set 25-17. The final set started close, with Long Beach leading 8-7, but a seven-point unanswered run by the Beach created an insurmountable gap, ending the set 25-11.
And this is the part most people miss: Beyond the stats and scores, this match was a celebration of resilience and camaraderie. The Tritons honored their seniors, who’ve been integral to the team’s journey, even as they faced a formidable opponent. With a record of 3-8 in three-set matches this season and an 0-11 all-time series against Long Beach State, the Tritons’ struggles are undeniable. But their spirit? Unbreakable.
Looking ahead, the Tritons will wrap up their 2025-26 season on the road against Hawai’i on Friday at 9 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcast on ESPN+, with live stats available on UCSDTritons.com. As UC San Diego Athletics continues its transition to NCAA Division I, having joined The Big West in 2020, the program’s legacy of success—30 team national championships, nearly 150 individual titles, and a 91% graduation rate—remains a testament to their commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
So, here’s the question: As the Tritons build their Division I legacy, what do you think it will take for them to consistently compete with powerhouse teams like Long Beach State? Is it recruiting, strategy, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going!
