UC Irvine’s men’s volleyball team may have fallen just short of a national title, but their incredible NCAA tournament run is something the Anteaters can hang their hats on.

Under the guidance of head coach David Kniffin, who has led the program for 14 seasons, UC Irvine caught fire at the perfect time. They stormed through the postseason as unranked underdogs, pulling off a series of stunning upsets that had fans and alumni buzzing. "These guys have a lot to be proud of this season," Kniffin said. "I feel it is the most important thing in the world."

The Anteaters (21-9) made their first appearance in the men’s volleyball championship game since 2013, but they couldn’t overcome powerhouse Hawaii (30-5) in Monday’s final at Pauley Pavilion. Despite the 3-1 loss (25-15, 18-25, 18-25, 25-20), the journey to get there was nothing short of remarkable.

UC Irvine kicked off their Cinderella story by knocking off No. 1 UCLA in a thrilling five-set quarterfinal (25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 19-25, 16-14). They followed that up with a dominant 3-1 semifinal win over No. 4 Ball State (25-19, 23-25, 27-25, 25-19).

In the championship match, the Anteaters came out swinging, taking the first set 25-15 with a commanding lead. But Hawaii’s front line proved too tough to handle, sparking a comeback that saw the Rainbow Warriors win the next three sets. The third set was a nail-biter, featuring nine ties and two lead changes before Hawaii pulled away.

What made the run even more special was the support from UC Irvine alumni, who packed Pauley Pavilion to cheer on the Anteaters. For Kniffin, seeing former players in the stands was a powerful reminder of what the program is really about. "I’m watching these guys become fathers, husbands and so on," he said. "Most of these guys didn’t get a chance to win the national championship, but they are crushing it in life right now."

While the championship trophy may have slipped away, UC Irvine’s grit, heart, and unforgettable tournament run are the kind of moments that define a team—and inspire the next generation of Anteaters.