Jon McBride | Posted: 6 May 2021 | Updated: 28 May 2021

BYU beats Lewis 3-1 in semis to advance to NCAA championship game
Looking from the crowd after BYU wins a point at the NCAA semifinals

COLUMBUS, Ohio — BYU men's volleyball defeated Lewis 3-1 (25-22, 25-15, 26-28, 25-20) in the NCAA semifinals Thursday night to advance to the national championship game Saturday against Hawaii.

The Cougars now head to their eighth national championship appearance, looking for their fourth national title. Head coach Shawn Olmstead will be making his third championship appearance as head coach after the victory over Lewis. 

“We knew it was going to be a tough match,” Olmstead said, “but I just couldn't be more excited for the guys and proud of them. I’m happy.”

Key Players:

  • Gabi Garcia Fernandez: 17 kills, .364 hitting percentage, two service aces, two blocks, seven digs
  • Davide Gardini: 11 kills, two service aces, six digs, two blocks
  • Zach Eschenberg: 11 kills, three service aces, two digs, two blocks
  • Felipe de Brito Ferreira: six kills, .625 hitting percentage, six blocks
  • Wil Stanley: 43 assists, eight digs, five blocks

See a recap of the semifinal victory with more quotes, highlights, statistics and more by scrolling the photo essay below.

Recent Stories

Smith Fieldhouse fans and men's volleyball team cheering after match point, Jon Stanley is sliding on the floor
No. 6 BYU caps undefeated home season in sweep of No. 8 Stanford

The No. 6 BYU men's volleyball team finished off a perfect 14-0 season at home Saturday night, defeating the No. 8…
M Volleyball | Apr 15
Shawn Olsmtead and Jackson Fife going in for a huge, men's volleyball team in the background cheering in front of fans
No. 6 BYU defeats No. 8 Stanford in four-set thriller

Head coach Shawn Olmstead recorded his 150th career win with the Cougars Friday night as No. 6 BYU men's volleyball…
M Volleyball | Apr 14