The Seismic Shift: Why the 2025 Outrigger Big West Women’s Volleyball Championship Marks a New Era
For the first time in two years, a new champion will hoist the coveted trophy at the 2025 Outrigger Big West Women’s Volleyball Championship, but the implications stretch far beyond a single title game. This year’s tournament, hosted at Long Beach’s newly-renamed LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid, isn’t just about crowning a victor; it’s a profound inflection point for the entire Big West conference, signaling a future filled with shifting power dynamics, intensifying rivalries, and the dramatic departure of a dominant program.
UC Davis’s Farewell Reign: A Powerhouse on the Move
The top seed, UC Davis (20-6, 16-2 BW), enters the championship riding the high of their first outright Big West regular-season title. Their remarkable 16 league wins mark a program best, yet this dominance carries a bittersweet note: it’s their final season as Big West members.
This exit will undoubtedly create a significant power vacuum within the conference. While the Aggies aim to cap their Big West tenure with a championship and an automatic NCAA Division I berth, their departure forces a re-evaluation of the league’s future landscape, opening doors for other contenders to seize control.
The Aggies’ Legacy and Future Impact
UC Davis’s consistent performance, culminating in this record-setting season, sets a high bar. Their meticulous program development and strategic play have made them a formidable force, evidenced by only two conference blemishes against strong opponents Cal Poly and Long Beach State.
Their move presents a challenge and an opportunity. Will another program immediately step up to fill the void, or will the Big West enter a period of heightened, more distributed competition? The answer will define the conference for years to come.
A League Transformed: Parity, Tiebreakers, and Rising Stars
The 2025 season has already showcased an unprecedented level of competitiveness. With four teams achieving 20-win seasons – a feat only matched three other times in the 21st century – the Big West is demonstrably stronger than ever.
The regular season concluded with nail-biting finishes, as tiebreakers determined the Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 6 seeds. This intensity underscores a league where every match matters, driving engagement and creating compelling narratives for fans.
The Battle for Seeding: A Precedent for Future Drama
The fact that multiple top seeds required tiebreakers, based on head-to-head records against UC Davis, speaks volumes about the fine margins separating the top teams. Cal Poly (23-6, 14-3 BW) secured the No. 2 seed, showcasing resilience despite a late-season loss to UC Irvine.
Long Beach State (21-8, 14-4 BW), the tournament host, clinched the No. 3 seed, promising an electrifying home-court advantage for their faithful fans. Their regular-season split with Cal Poly sets up a potentially explosive semifinal matchup.
Emerging Contenders: UCSB, CSUN, and UC Irvine’s Breakthroughs
No. 4 seed UC Santa Barbara (22-8, 14-4 BW) returns to the bracket after a one-year hiatus, demonstrating renewed strength and a formidable offense. Their opening match against No. 5 seed CSUN (17-12, 10-8 BW) is particularly noteworthy.
CSUN makes its first appearance in the Big West postseason, a testament to their program’s growth. Meanwhile, No. 6 seed UC Irvine (13-17, 8-10 BW) earned their spot with a dramatic upset over Cal Poly, knocking Hawai’i out in the process. These stories highlight the league’s commitment to developing competitive programs across the board.
The Championship Experience: Beyond the Court
The LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid in Long Beach, California, stands ready to host this pivotal event from November 26-29. Its state-of-the-art facilities provide an excellent stage for collegiate volleyball.
Beyond the live action, ESPN+ will provide comprehensive coverage of every match, produced by Earl Miller Productions. The broadcast team, featuring Rob Espero, Hailey Harward, and Chloë Clark, ensures fans nationwide can follow every serve, spike, and block during Thanksgiving Week. This expanded media presence is crucial for elevating the profile of Big West sports and women’s volleyball.
Fans looking to experience the excitement firsthand can purchase single-day or all-session tickets at BigWest.org/wvbtix.
Predictions and the Road Ahead for Big West Volleyball
With Hawai’i, the winner of the past two editions, out of the picture, the 2025 Championship guarantees a fresh face at the top. The tournament bracket, stacked with talent and history, promises an unforgettable week:
THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS PRESENTS THE 2025 OUTRIGGER BIG WEST WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid | Long Beach, Calif. First Round - Wednesday, Nov. 26 3 p.m. | No. 4 seed UC Santa Barbara vs. No. 5 seed CSUN 6 p.m. | No. 3 seed Long Beach State vs. No. 6 seed UC Irvine Semifinals - Friday, Nov. 28 3 p.m. | No. 1 seed UC Davis vs. No. 4/5 winner 6 p.m. | No. 2 seed Cal Poly vs. No. 3/6 winner Final - Saturday, Nov. 29 5 p.m. | Championship Match
The path to the automatic NCAA berth will be fiercely contested. While UC Davis enters as the clear favorite due to their regular-season prowess, the nature of single-elimination tournaments means upsets are always possible. Look for the home-court advantage of Long Beach State and the momentum of teams like UC Irvine to play crucial roles.
Beyond this year, the Big West must strategically adapt to UC Davis’s departure. This could mean increased investment in recruiting, fostering new rivalries, and further strengthening the competitive balance that has made this season so compelling. The era of a new champion in 2025 is just the beginning of a dynamic new chapter for -->
