The top-seeded 49ers (26-1) won the Big West Conference regular-season and tournament titles, and their only loss was in five sets to Hawaii — a defeat they avenged with a 3-0 victory in the conference final. In 27 matches, the 49ers have lost only 12 sets, and they reeled off a program-record 24 straight wins.
Long Beach State plays Ohio State (25-5) at 5 p.m. in the first semifinal and the biggest concern for coach Alan Knipe's team might be rust (the 49ers haven't played since April 21). They are looking to break through following consecutive NCAA semifinal defeats.