UC Irvine Celebrates its NCAA Tournament Journey After Men’s Volleyball Title Game Loss
UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball Team Falls Short in NCAA Championship
UC Irvine men’s volleyball coach David Kniffin reflected on a transformative season for his team, which concluded with a runner-up finish in the NCAA Division I national title game. After 14 seasons at the helm, Kniffin watched as this year’s squad navigated a series of crucial victories, culminating in a match against Hawaii on Monday at Pauley Pavilion.
"These guys have a lot to be proud of this season," Kniffin stated. "I feel it is the most important thing in the world."
The Anteaters advanced to the championship game for the first time since 2013 but ultimately lost to Hawaii, which holds a record of 30-5 and finished with a 9-1 mark in the Big West.
In the tournament, the unranked Anteaters (21-9, 5-5) achieved significant upsets, knocking off the top-ranked UCLA in the quarterfinals with a close 4-3 win and then defeating No. 4 Ball State in the semifinals 3-1. However, their championship hopes were dashed by Hawaii, who won the final match 3-1.
During the title game, UC Irvine began strong, taking the first set 25-15. Yet, they struggled to maintain momentum, losing the subsequent sets 25-15, 25-18, and 25-20.
The presence of alumni at the championship match added to the occasion’s significance for Kniffin. "I’m watching these guys become fathers, husbands and so on," he remarked, noting that many former players had not had the chance to win a national title but were thriving in their personal lives.
In the closing sets, Hawaii’s formidable performance proved challenging for the Anteaters. Despite a promising start in the fourth set, UC Irvine fell victim to a decisive 5-0 run by Hawaii.
"Congratulations to Kniffin and UCI for a fantastic season," said Hawaii coach Charlie Wade. "We don’t get here without the support of a lot of people, and volleyball is a big deal in our community. This matters."
The Anteaters’ journey through the NCAA tournament may have ended in disappointment, but the program’s renewed competitiveness and the growth of its players offer a bright outlook for the future.
