The College of Charleston beach volleyball team began its season with two losses against the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) on Friday in Wilmington, North Carolina. The Seahawks won both matches by a score of 4-1.
Charleston’s No. 3 pair, Ella Duffner and Alivia Newberg, secured the only victories for the Cougars in each match. Several players made their official debuts for Charleston during these matches, including Madison Loving, Holly Hopkins, Paige Clark, Alex Belak, Gabby Carr, and Ava Dunnigan.
In the first match, UNCW’s Sistrunk and Trimp defeated Cassie Thayse and Elizabeth Curry (21-16, 21-15), while LaPata and Parkinson overcame Loving and Hopkins (21-17, 21-17). Duffner and Newberg earned a win against Thompson and Engebretson (21-18, 22-24, 15-8). Hamel and Schrok beat Fiona North and Grace Toscano (21-15, 21-16), with Puhala and Marinack defeating Clark and Belak (21-16, 21-17).
During the second match-up between the teams, Sistrunk and Trimp again won over Thayse and Curry (22-20, 21-13). LaPata and Parkinson bested Loving and Hopkins in three sets (18-21, 21-11, 15-8). Duffner and Newberg claimed another victory over Engebretson and Thompson (21-14, 21-16). Schrok and Hamel took down North and Toscano (22-20, 16-21, 15-5), while Puhala and Jensen defeated Carr and Dunnigan (19-21, 21-1, 15-8).
Charleston will continue its season this weekend at Stetson.
