The Cal State Long Beach women's volleyball team officially claimed the No. 1 spot in the nation according to the USA Today/American Volleyball Coaches Poll late Monday.

"It's nice to be No. 1," Head Coach Brian Gimmillaro said, "Anytime your school can be rated No.1 in a sport that is represented at every college, it's great."

The 49ers (20-1, 11-0), previously ranked No. 2, moved ahead of the now No. 2 Penn State after decisively defeating Cal Poly San Louis Obispo (3-0) and a then No. 14 University of Hawaii (3-0).

"We deserve [to be No. 1]," junior setter Misty May said, "because of the people we play, and how we handled Hawaii."

The last time The Beach was ranked No. 1 was in September of 1993. This team later became National Champions.

"I like the pressure," Gimmillaro said. "Our players need to learn to play under that type of pressure under a regular basis. It's a good test for athletes that have national championship goals."

May said she does not think No. 1 will put any more pressure on the team.

"Even at number two, people are still shooting for your ranking," May said.

The 49ers will put the new title on the line as they face No. 6 Santa Barbara (22-2, 10-1) tonight at The Pyramid. The match starts at 7:30 p.m.

"It's going to be a tough match," May said. "I've been looking forward to it."

The Beach defeated the Gauchos in a long five-game match earlier this season in Santa Barbara.

"They have nothing to lose and everything to gain," Gimmillaro said. "This will be a really incredible match."

"I just get goose bumps thinking about when they announce that we are No. 1 at the The Pyramid when we run out," May said.