The University of Hawaii men's volleyball team is one win away from adding another championship to its storied legacy—and it all comes down to a familiar face from their own conference.
After powering past their biggest Big West rival, Long Beach State, in a fiery semifinal, the second-seeded Rainbow Warriors (29-5) now turn their attention to a more cordial, yet equally formidable opponent: UC Irvine. The two teams clash today at 1 p.m. at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles for the NCAA national championship.
This marks Hawaii's fifth national final appearance in the last seven seasons. The program is officially a two-time champion this decade (2021 and 2022), though its 2003 title was later vacated. A win today would give the 'Bows their first 30-win season in program history—a milestone that seemed well within reach for a team that has dominated the Big West all year.
UC Irvine, meanwhile, is no stranger to the big stage. The Anteaters (21-8) have four national titles to their name, the most recent coming in 2013 under current head coach David Kniffin. And while the rivalry with Hawaii lacks the edge of the Long Beach State feud, the history between the two programs runs deep.
In fact, Kniffin's relationship with Hawaii head coach Charlie Wade dates back nearly two decades. "He was our interpreter when we went to Argentina back in 2007 when I was the coach of Pacific on the women's side," Wade recalled during Sunday's NCAA press conference. "We talk pretty regularly throughout the season. Every time we're battling, they're not quite the same level that we have been with Long Beach, but certainly some highly contested matches and always competitive."
The 'Bows swept both regular-season meetings with UC Irvine, but the Anteaters have proven they can rise to the occasion in the postseason. They advanced to the final after taking down Long Beach State in straight sets—the same team that had handed Hawaii a bitter loss in the Big West tournament final.
That loss, fueled by a controversial shakas-down gesture from Long Beach freshman Wojciech Gajek, ignited a fire in the Rainbow Warriors. "Long Beach State rattled some cages the last time we played them," said Hawaii sophomore opposite hitter Kainoa Wade. "Obviously it doesn't matter who we are playing on the other side of the court, we're going to give it our all all the time. It doesn't matter if it's shakas up or shakas down, it's go time."
The atmosphere in Pauley Pavilion is expected to be electric, with Hawaii fans traveling in force to support their team. The 'Bows have advanced to the championship match each of the last three times the tournament has been held in Los Angeles, and they'll look to make it three national titles in four years.
For fans gearing up for the big game, this is more than just a volleyball match—it's a celebration of resilience, rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Whether you're repping the 'Bows or the Anteaters, one thing is certain: today's showdown is must-watch action.