Tulane University
AVCA National Championship
Juric & Wegner End Run at AVCA National Pairs Championship
May 3, 2015 | Women's Beach Volleyball
GULF SHORES, Ala. -- Tulane sand volleyball history was made once more via the pairing of Tea Juric and Jackie Wegner, who became the first duo in program history on Saturday to reach the final 16-pair bracket round at the AVCA National Championships. Juric's and Wegner's historic run came to a close in the first round on Sunday morning, when the 15th seeded Green Wave fell to the second-seeded Sarah Sponcil and Betsi Metter of Loyola Marymount in straight sets.
It was a back and forth contest in the first set as the Lions squeezed ahead late to take it 21-19. Sponcil and Metter then carried that momentum in the second set where they clinched it 21-12. Metter led all players with 20 kills, 20 digs and two service aces. For the Wave, Juric tallied 11 kills and two blocks while Wegner recorded 15 digs.
Thus, after three days of competition and a 3-3 weekend, Juric and Wegner conclude 2015 with a career and program best 30-11 record, an improvement from a 19-15 mark from a year ago.
"Obviously a 30-win season speaks volumes of success, yet behind that number are many more subtle developments that make those results possible," Tulane head coach Wayne Holly said. "Tea and Jackie made a championship caliber commitment to improving their technical and mental skills this season, and like everyone on the team, really bought in to what we are teaching in terms of developing a winning culture and enduring the process of focusing on areas of improvement. It is a privilege to coach them. I hope their success and the desire for more will drive them to new heights next season."
The Green Wave tandem went 21-7 in dual action this spring, recording two streaks of six consecutive victories from the No. 1 flight. Therefore, the twosome played a pivotal role in securing Tulane's third straight winning season, as the Wave finished with an 18-10 record.
Green Wave Results
Round of 16: Sponcil / Metter (LMU) def. Juric / Wegner (TU), 21-19, 21-12
