The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have once again proven why they're a force to be reckoned with in NCAA men's volleyball. In a thrilling four-set battle on Monday night, Hawaii defeated Big West rival UC Irvine 15-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-20 to capture the national championship at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.
After a rocky start that saw the Rainbow Warriors drop the first set with a .167 hitting percentage and seven attack errors, the team found their rhythm in spectacular fashion. They dominated the next three sets, hitting an impressive .481 while committing just eight errors over that stretch. The comeback showcased the resilience and depth that defined their historic season.
Kristian Titriyski was the star of the night, delivering a match-high 16 kills—including the final, championship-clinching point. He was supported by Adrien Roure (15 kills) and Louis Sakanoko (12 kills), while setter Tread Rosenthal orchestrated the offense with 44 assists. Sakanoko's three consecutive aces in the fourth set proved pivotal, giving Hawaii an 8-6 lead they never relinquished as they hit .538 in the final frame with only two errors.
This victory marks the third national title in program history and the first since 2022. The Rainbow Warriors also set a program record with 30 wins this season, capping off an extraordinary campaign. For UC Irvine, it was a tough loss as they sought their first championship since 2013—also at Pauley Pavilion. The Anteaters, ranked sixth nationally, finished 21-9 and were led by Big West Freshman of the Year Andrej Jokanovic, who tallied 13 kills.
The championship continues a remarkable run for the Big West Conference, which has now produced a national champion five times since 2018 and has had at least one finalist for eight consecutive seasons. This was the third all-Big West finale, following 2019 and 2022, underscoring the conference's dominance in collegiate men's volleyball.
For fans of the sport, this match was a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork—qualities that inspire every athlete, whether on the court or in their training gear.