Long Beach State defeated UC Santa Barbara 50-23 this past weekend to follow up with their November defeat of Arizona State in preseason games.

CSULB has a strong recruiting class and the forward pack is young but stronger than they have had in recent years. Targeting a spot in the DIAA playoffs once more, the 49ers got a very good effort from flankers Bruce Yun and Ewan Scott while prop Adam Sanchez continued his solid run of form.

In the backs, center Callum Lapper was a rock defensively, while several freshmen, including former HS All American Jacob Cortinas at scrumhalf, and former EIRA and Rhino wing Sunny Hall have stepped in to make an impact early.

Freshmen No. 8 Stefano Menicou has also played well, while fullback David Arredondo runs the defense.

Next up will be a very tough meeting with Mira Costa College as the hybrid DIAA/NSCRO Gold Coast Conference gets underway.