Youngxville, LA: Gamecocks Split Tight Decisions to Open Weekend
South Carolina beach volleyball split the first day of action at the Sugar Beach Bash on Friday, starting with a 3-2 loss to Tulane (11-4) before ending with a 3-2 victory over UAB (8-6). The Gamecocks now stand at 8-6 for the season.
Early Defeat:
The team dug an early hole against the Green Wave, losing in straight sets on courts four and five to start the morning dual. Riley Whitesides and Hannah Mackenhausen got the team on the board with a 21-17, 21-19 sweep on court one, the pair’s 10th win in a row.
Comeback Attempt:
Julia Waugh and Peyton Yamagata followed with a three-set win on court three to tie the team score at 2-2. Carolina came two points shy of the comeback, losing to Tulane in three sets on court two, 22-20, 16-21, 13-15.
Second Match:
In the second matchup of the day, the Gamecocks gave themselves a better footing after a split of the first wave of matches. Jolie Cranford and McKenzie Nichols won their match on court five, countering a win by UAB on court four.
Strong Finish:
The Blazers pushed ahead with a sweep on court one, snapping Mackenhausen and Whitesides’ win streak, but the Gamecocks were able to close out with wins on courts two and three.
Upcoming Matches:
Tomorrow will bring two more duals for South Carolina. Saturday starts with a 9 a.m. ET dual with Boise State, then a 1 p.m. finale against the host, Southeastern Louisiana.
