Hawaii successfully defended its Big West beach volleyball title today when defeating Long Beach State in the BWC tournament final at Pismo Beach, Calif.

The second-seeded Rainbow Wahine (27-5) clinched the dual against the top-seeded 49ers when winning at Flights 2, 3 and 4. Hawaii finished with a 4-1 win, splitting the last two matches that both went to three sets, with a victory at Flight 1 and a loss at Flight 5.

Earlier today, Hawaii edged Long Beach State 3-2 in the winners bracket semifinal, dropping the 49ers into an elimination match with Cal Poly. The 49ers then defeated the Mustangs 3-2 to earn a rematch with the SandBows.

Senior All-American Nikki Taylor tied former partner Katie Spieler for the program’s all-time individual victories (102) when Taylor and Ka’iwi Schucht won at Flight 2. Also, Carly Kan and Ari Homayun set a program record for consecutive duals won with 13 straight with a victory at Flight 4.

Hawaii will learn its postseason fate during Sunday’s NCAA selection show. The NCAA tournament is May 5-7 at Gulf Shores, Ala.