THE GREATEST WIN IN PROGRAM HISTORY!

In what will go down as the greatest win in program history, No. 8 seeded Fullerton College pulled off a stunning reverse sweep on the road to rally from two sets down defeating the No. 1 team in the state Orange Coast College 3-2 in the opening round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs Friday night.

With the win, Fullerton improves to 15-8 overall and advances to the 3C2A State Championships set to take place at Long Beach City College on April 23 and 25.

After dropping the first two sets 24-26 and 20-25, the Hornets refused to fold. FC dug deep and stormed back to take the next three sets 28-26, 26-24, and 15-12 completing a dramatic comeback that sent shockwaves through the bracket and punched their ticket to the 3C2A State Championships.

The victory marks a historic milestone for the program. Since being reinstated in 2017, Fullerton had reached the regional round twice (2017 and 2018) but had never advanced. Friday's win not only delivered the program's first postseason victory but also secured its first-ever trip to the state final four.

Fullerton matched Orange Coast's firepower behind a balanced and resilient effort. Sophomore Samuel Chavez led the way with a match-high 23 kills delivering in key moments throughout the comeback. Libero Saman Bagheri anchored the defense with 15 digs, while middle Jasper Nadelson controlled the net with five total blocks, while adding 15 kills. Logan Busch played a big role with 19 kills with 6 digs. Emiliano Razo pushed out 51 assists and had 12 digs. Seth Asaoka brought down 8 kills and hustled for 6 digs.

The Hornets totaled a season-high 71 kills as a team and hit .248 for the match improving their efficiency as the night progressed, including a .333 clip in the decisive fifth set. After hitting just .182 in the opening set, Fullerton settled in offensively and found its rhythm when it mattered most.

Defensively, Fullerton tallied 50 digs and 16 block assists, consistently disrupting Orange Coast's attack down the stretch. The Hornets' ability to tighten up defensively and limit errors proved to be the difference in the final three sets.

Up Next: The Hornets will face defending state champion Golden West College in the semifinal round on Thursday, April 23rd at 5:00 pm at Long Beach City College.

3C2A Men's Volleyball Quarterfinals (April 17)
(S1) Orange Coast 2, (N4) Fullerton 3  - 24-26, 20-25, 28-26, 26-24, 15-12
(N2) Long Beach City 3, (S3) San Diego Miramar 0 - 25-22, 25-23, 25-22
(N1) Santa Barbara City 3, (S4) San Diego Mesa 2 - 25-20, 17-25, 19-25, 25-20, 15-11
(S2) Golden West 3, (N3) Santa Monica 0 - 25-18, 25-19, 25-18

Semifinals (April 23)
Golden West vs. Fullerton | 5 p.m.
Long Beach City vs. Santa Barbara City | 7 p.m.

Championship (April 25)
TBD , TBD