CONWAY, Ark. – The ULM beach volleyball team split the day in Conway, with a 4-1 win over Austin Peay and a 4-1 loss to host-team Central Arkansas on day one of the Sugar Bears' 2018 Beach Bear Classic.
"I'm happy to get the win over Austin Peay this morning," said head beach volleyball coach
Russ Friedland. "They came out firing and we were able to adapt and combat them and pull out the match wins in the remaining spots."
The Warhawks defeated Austin Peay for the second time this season, winning the final four of five games against the Governors.
Grace Convey and
Gabby Love came out on top with the winning point, beating out Cecily Gable and Ginny Gerig of Austin Peay in three sets (21-9, 16-21, 17-15).
Holland Ponthieux and
Allie Kemp were the first to earn a team point, when they defeated APSU's Kaylee Taff and Chloe Stitt (21-11, 17-21, 15-13).
Freshman
Kayla Gallant and junior partner
Maile Sellers dropped the first set 17-21 to their Governor counterparts, but rallied back in sets two and three, 21-13, 15-10 respectively, to take the win.
ULM would not have such luck against UCA, who managed to win the first four sets in order, clinching the win.
In the two spot, Graduate
Rebecca Brown and junior
Catherine Griffith were the lone pair to claim victory over their Sugar Bear opponents. Brown and Griffith defeated Central Arkansas' Aly Brinkley and Jessica Martinez in straight sets (21-13, 21-17).
"Cat and Becca came through again with their consistent play against UCA," Friedland said. "I'm happy to see them continue to find success week in and week out."
Gallant and Sellers won the first set against Stephanie Pollnow and Kimberly Schnars of UCA, and fought hard in the second and third set, but were defeated by only five total points (15-21, 21-18, 15-13).
"We know what we need to do to bounce back tomorrow to have a better result. Each pair can give more on the sand and we will find success if we can all compete at that level. The team is hungry for wins tomorrow and I'm excited to see them back in action," Friedland said.
ULM will be back in action tomorrow at UCA with matches at 9 a.m. against Austin Peay and 11 a.m. against Central Arkansas.
Fans are encouraged to follow the Sandyhawks throughout their season on Twitter at @ULM_beachVB and on Instagram at @ULM_VB.
