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Manhattan Beach Today
By the People, for the People
UCLA beach volleyball defeats top-ranked Stanford in MPSF Midseason Rumble sweep
Bruins' resurgence signals growing competitiveness in collegiate sand sports
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The UCLA Bruins beach volleyball team recently pulled off an impressive 4-1 victory over top-ranked Stanford at the MPSF Midseason Rumble, marking a significant turnaround from an earlier season loss to the Cardinal. This win highlights the team's resilience, strategic adaptations, and the rising competitiveness of collegiate beach volleyball.
Why it matters
UCLA's victory over Stanford signals a shift in momentum and growing confidence within the squad, reflecting broader trends in the sport. Collegiate beach volleyball is rapidly gaining popularity and attracting top talent, with universities investing more in dedicated facilities and coaching staff to support player development and strategic sophistication.
The details
Earlier in the season, Stanford had handed UCLA one of its two losses in Hawaii on February 20th. However, playing on their home sand at Mapes Beach, the Bruins 'flipped the script,' avenging that defeat and completing an undefeated run through the MPSF Midseason Rumble. Key pairings, such as redshirt sophomore Kayla Mathews and redshirt junior Ensley Alden, have proven particularly effective against Stanford, boasting a 4-0 record in dual-match sets against the Cardinal this season. Coach Jenny Johnson Jordan highlighted their explosive playstyle and growing control as key to their success. Beyond technical skill, a significant factor in UCLA's turnaround appears to be a strengthened mental game, with players emphasizing a heightened level of preparation and accountability since the Hawaii trip.
- On February 20th, Stanford handed UCLA one of its two losses in Hawaii.
- The MPSF Midseason Rumble took place in March 2026.
The players
Kayla Mathews
A redshirt sophomore on the UCLA beach volleyball team.
Ensley Alden
A redshirt junior on the UCLA beach volleyball team.
Jenny Johnson Jordan
The head coach of the UCLA beach volleyball team.
Alexa Fernandez
A sophomore on the UCLA beach volleyball team.
What they’re saying
“The difference this time around was the mental game.”
— Alexa Fernandez, Sophomore (newsy-today.com)
“The key pairings, like Kayla and Ensley, have been explosive and in control.”
— Jenny Johnson Jordan, Head Coach (newsy-today.com)
What’s next
UCLA's momentum continues with upcoming competitions at the East Meets West Invitational in Manhattan Beach, California, from March 13th to 14th. They are slated to face Arizona State, LSU, Texas, and FIU. The team's stated goal is clear: to build on their recent success and contend for the national championship.
The takeaway
UCLA's victory over Stanford reflects the growing competitiveness and sophistication of collegiate beach volleyball, as universities invest more in dedicated facilities, coaching staff, and data analytics to support player development and strategic adaptability. The Bruins' resurgence highlights the importance of mental fortitude and strong pairings in the sport's future.
