Tulane University
AVCA National Championship
Juric & Wegner Earn Spot in Championship Bracket
May 2, 2015 | Women's Beach Volleyball
GULF SHORES, Ala. -- After a 1-1 start to pool play on Friday, the Tulane sand volleyball pairing of Tea Juric and Jackie Wegner recorded a 2-1 Saturday, which included a victory in a play-in match to qualify for one the coveted 16 spots in the AVCA National Pairs Championship Bracket that will decide the nation's top pair on Sunday.
"As expected we played much better volleyball today and we were mentally sharp when we needed to be," Tulane head coach Wayne Holly said. "Jackie and Tea played brilliantly at times which is what we're used to. Most importantly, the ability to move on from temporary set-backs proved to be the single most important skill we exhibited today."
The Green Wave tandem started its day with a straight-set victory over Arizona's Madi Kingdon and Kaitlyn Leary, taking it 21-16, 21-16.
Juric and Wegner then started strong vs. Grand Canyon's Dugan Phelps, securing the first set 21-12, but faltered later on, eventually suffering a 21-15, 15-9, loss in the latter two sets.
As a result, the Olive and Blue duo were forced to compete in a play-in match for the right to make the 16-pair bracket tournament, with FIU's Kristine Monforte and Summer Nash standing in their way. After suffering a tight 22-20 first set loss, the Green Wave fought back, qualifying via a 21-17, 15-11, clinch.
Thus, Juric and Wegner made Tulane history once more, becoming the first duo to advance to the final bracket portion of the national championship.
All eight opening round matches on Sunday will kick off at 8 a.m. CT. Each next round will start in two hour intervals; therefore, the championship final is slated for 2 p.m.
"To reach the Sweet 16 is another first in our program's developing history," Holly added. "I am thrilled for the players because they have earned this every step of the way."
Green Wave Results
Match 1: Juric / Wegner (TU) def. Kingdon / Leary (UA), 21-16, 21-16
Match 2: Dugan / Phelps (GCU) def. Juric / Wegner (TU), 12-21, 21-15, 15-9
Play-In: Juric / Wegner (TU) def. Monforte / Nash (FIU), 20-22, 21-17, 15-11
