GULF SHORES, Ala. – No. 1 Stanford fell to No. 3 UCLA, 3-0, in the national championship dual match Sunday at the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship, ending a historic run for the Cardinal that included its first national championship tournament quarterfinal win, semifinal appearance, semifinal win, and national championship dual match appearance.
UCLA took control early, winning the first set on all five courts and using that momentum to their advantage. While several Cardinal pairs fought valiantly to hold off match points, the Bruins secured the three necessary wins on courts one, two, and four to earn their first beach volleyball national championship since 2019.
Following the conclusion of the match, sophomore Indigo Clarke and junior Clara Stowell were named to the championship's All-Tournament team.
The Cardinal (39-5) ended its season with seven more victories than any previous year on record and made its deepest run in the national championship tournament, winning three matches in the 2026 tournament compared to three total matches in its five other appearances. Stanford returns all but one member of its national championship lineup in 2027 and is poised to continue the program’s quest to bring home its first national title.
#3 UCLA 3, #1 Stanford 0
1. Sally Perez and Maggie Boyd (UCLA) def. Kelly Belardi and Avery Jackson (STAN) 21-11, 21-19
2. Kaley Mathews and Ensley Alden (UCLA) def. Brooke Rockwell and Ruby Sorra (STAN) 21-16, 21-11
3. Charlotta Bell and Logan Tusher (STAN) vs. Alexa Fernandez and Harper Cooper (UCLA) 19-21, 8-19 UF
4. Ava Williamson and Jesse Dueck (UCLA) def. Indigo Clarke and Clara Stowell (STAN) 21-17, 25-23
5. Elena Fisher and Chloe Hoffman (STAN) vs. Kenzie Brower and Mallory LaBreche (UCLA)
12-21, 15-18 UF
Order of finish: 2, 4, 1*