Did anyone expect it to be different?

Today’s showdown between No. 12 Hawaii and Long Beach State pits the Big West’s traditional powers against each other.

Again.

It’s early, but it’s critical. Today’s winner takes over sole possession of the conference lead.

Both come in off of road victories, Long Beach State (11-7, 5-0) at UC Riverside in four on Wednesday, Hawaii (12-4, 5-0) at Cal State Northridge in three on Thursday. The 49ers have dropped just three sets in Big West play, including Set 1 on Wednesday; the Rainbow Wahine have dropped just one, that coming in Set 1 at Cal Poly (34-32) on Sept. 24.

It’s the 49th meeting between the two and it features two of the four winningest active coaches in the country. Hawaii’s Dave Shoji is at 1,191 in 42 seasons, nine behind Penn State’s Russ Rose (1,200); The Beach’s Brian Gimmillaro has 824 in 32 seasons, fourth behind Florida’s Mary Wise (861).

“Brian’s a great coach and we’ve had some great matches with them,” Shoji said on Friday. “I think they struggled early, but they’ve seem to have found their rhythm, have been more balanced lately and have a lot of weapons.

“I just enjoy playing at the Pyramid. They have great crowds. It’s a great place to play.”

Tonight’s match is a designated “Black Out” night at the 4,200-seat arena. The 49ers, averaging 954 fans this year, are expecting their largest crowd of the season; 2,149 saw the Wahine win 3-1 in their last visit.

“I think the season has been very difficult for both programs because of injuries,” Gimmillaro said. “We’re not as good as I thought we would be, but we’re getting healthier.

“We are improving but still continue to make adjustments.”

The 49ers seemed to have settled in on a lineup as of late, one that features two reigning Big West weekly honorees. Player of the Week Nele Barber, a 6-1 senior hitter, is second in the conference in kills (4.29 kps) and digs (4.79); Freshman of the Week YiZhi Xue, a 6-4 middle from China, is averaging 1.67 kills and has 72 total blocks.

Of additional concern to Hawaii is 6-2 junior middle Ashley Murray (2.51 kps, 61 blocks). Missy Owens, a 6-1 sophomore setter, has helped the 49ers to a .272 hitting percentage in conference play, second to the Wahine’s .292.

Hawaii’s revolving and evolving lineup — eight different starting lineups in 15 matches — may get another tweak today. Sophomore Casey Castillo moved back to her natural position at left-side hitter on Thursday in Set 3 against CSUN; she had been used mostly in the middle and as a back-up opposite.

“Casey is big, strong and athletic,” Shoji said of the 6-3 Castillo. “She gives us another viable option on the left. Moving Annie (senior middle Mitchem) out there disrupts the whole system.

“We have to have a backup plan for our lefts and Casey makes us more whole. She is our third left and (freshman Natasha) Burns is our third middle.

“We’re still in flux.”

And in flex mode. Castillo is more than a viable option should 6-2 freshman Kirsten Sibley struggle. Castillo also could replace 6-foot sophomore McKenna Granato.

“We need a presence on the left,” Shoji said. “Hoping Kirsten gets off to a good start. And Granato needs to play better.”

Both have been inconsistent. At CSUN, Sibley hit negative .100, with just three kills. Granato had six kills, hitting .286.

UH lone replay user

Hawaii remains the only Big West school that is using the video replay challenge system for home matches that allows coaches to challenge certain calls on the court. Although today’s match at the Pyramid will be broadcast regionally on Fox Sports Prime Ticket, an official from Long Beach State said the venue does not have the capability to do replay for all home matches.