The LMU Beach Volleyball team enters the 2025 season with a strong sense of pride and confidence after their recent successes. Earlier this month, the Lions celebrated their 2024 West Coast Conference championship, receiving their hard-earned rings as a reminder of their triumph. With their eyes set on more success, the Lions are eager to add more championship jewelry to their collection.
Last weekend, the team traveled from one sunny beach to another, competing at the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Classic in Hawaii. The picturesque weather was only rivaled by the fierce competition on the sand.
LMU left its mark on the tournament, winning five out of six matches and achieving a historic first. The team kicked off the weekend with a thrilling 3-2 victory over #5 Stanford, and followed that up with an even more impressive 4-1 win against #1 USC. The latter victory is particularly significant as USC has been the three-time defending champion, and this is the first time in program history that LMU has beaten them.
With such a monumental weekend behind them, the Lions are now focused on the Battle for LA tournament, which will be held at LMU Beach Volleyball Court. The team is filled with excitement and confidence as they prepare for their home opener.
“I think we can go in with a lot of confidence, and that’s really exciting,” said sophomore Magdalena Rabitsch, hailing from Austria, reflecting on her eagerness to play at LMU.
Senior Isabelle Reffel, from Sweden, echoed Rabitsch’s sentiments, adding, “It will be fun to play at home, especially since the courts are in such a central part of campus. I’m excited to see who walks by and adds to the energy.”
Despite their enthusiasm, Rabitsch emphasized that the team remains focused and determined. “We won’t underestimate anyone. We’ll play with the same intensity and energy that we brought to our season openers,” she said.
The Lions’ home opener will feature games at 10 AM and 2 PM on both Friday and Saturday. They’ll face off against nationally ranked opponents, including #16 Washington on Friday and #6 Cal Poly on Saturday.
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