By Coaches of the Big West Conference chose the Long Beach State women’s volleyball team to finish second behind Hawaii for the third consecutive year.
The 49ers have finished with at least a second place standing in the past decade, claiming the top spot four times. Ever since Hawaii joined the Big West in 2012, the Rainbow Wahine have been picked to finish first and have actually done so every year. Except last season when the Big West fostered three champions (Hawaii, Cal State Northridge and UC Santa Barbara) for the first time.
The Beach will be looking to return four starters from last season, including All-Region middle blocker Chisom Okpala and seniors Bre Mackie, Chelsea Cabrajac and Tyler Jackson. Head coach Brian Gimmillaro also hopes for a few transfers and freshmen to immediately make an impact to assist
The Illini Classic in Illinois will kick off the team’s season, followed by three additional tournaments before Big West play begins.
