UNA roared through the sand in Atlanta, snagging two gutsy wins in a gritty four-match gauntlet against ranked foes and fierce rivals.
The University of North Alabama beach volleyball team brought heat and heart to the sand courts of Atlanta during the Diggin’ Duels, splitting their four matches with undeniable fight and flair. Action kicked off early Friday morning with a tall task, taking on No. 18 Georgia State. Despite a valiant effort, the Lions fell 1-4. UNA’s lone win came from the No. 5 pairing of Hailey Benesz and Kaitlyn Holbrook, who edged their Panther opponents in a thrilling 21-19, 17-21, 15-13 showdown.
By Friday afternoon, UNA regrouped and responded with fury, steamrolling Eastern Kentucky 5-0. All five pairs swept their matches in straight sets. Selma Robinson and Katy Floyd led the charge with a dominant 21-15, 21-11 victory, while Paige Griner and Ryenne Gepford added a 21-11, 21-17 win that set the tone early. Saturday morning brought the weekend’s tightest battle as UNA edged Louisiana Monroe 3-2. The deciding point came down to the No. 1 court, where Robinson and Floyd delivered in crunch time, winning 22-20, 16-21, 15-12. Earlier in the match,Griner and Gepford also secured a gritty 18-21, 21-19, 15-8 comeback that helped UNA stay alive.
In their final match of the weekend, the Lions faced Georgia State for a second time. Despite another strong showing from Hailey Benesz and Kaitlyn Holbrook, who won 21-17, 21-18 at the No. 5 spot, UNA dropped the match 1-4 as the Panthers held their ground in the top four courts. The duo of Robinson Floyd finished the weekend 3-1, including two three set thrillers. Their 22-20 opening set against ULM and clutch third-set finishes were vital to securing the team’s narrowest win.
Aurora Bibolotti and Pien Grooters also went 3-1 and played some of the weekend’s most dramatic points. Their 15-11 third set against ULM capped off a comeback after dropping the first set, and they didn’t lose a set in either of UNA’s two wins.Haily Benesz and Kaitlyn Holbrook quietly became clutch anchors at the No. 5 spot, also finishing 3-1 and providing consistent early momentum. Their quick-strike style and smart shot placement proved critical in tight first sets.
With two statement wins under their belt and momentum on their side, UNA turns its focus to the next tournament, aiming to climb the ranks as the postseason approaches. The team’s growing confidence and battle tested lineup make them a dangerous opponent for anyone standing in their way.
