Beach Volleyball Duo Break Freshman Win Record
Jun 5, 2017 | Women's Beach Volleyball
McHugh and Mergener combined for 54 wins
NEW ORLEANS – The growth of the Tulane beach volleyball program continued in 2017 as evidenced by the Green Wave finishing with a 24-13 record, the winningest season in school history. A big reason for the continued upward trend can be attributed to two Wave freshmen in Kaylie McHugh and Tarin Mergener, who combined for 54 overall wins.
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The record for wins by a freshman heading into the season was held by rising seniors Madeline Mertz and Lan Nguyen, who each produced a 23-9 (.719) record in 2015. However, in 2017, Mergener tallied a 26-11 (.703) record, while McHugh took over the program's top freshman spot in both wins and winning percentage with her impressive 28-9 (.757) mark.
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"Tarin and Kaylie are exceptional people and are among the most accomplished freshmen players in our conference," Tulane head coach Wayne Holly said. "They each set the standard for how to show up every day and improve through mindful, hard work in practice. I'm very proud of them and excited for their future with our team."
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Mergener's 26 victories marked the second most on the Wave behind McHugh and Tea Juric. In addition, Mergener, along with Mertz, were named to the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) All-Tournament Team following a 3-1 outing at the conference championships in Georgia, where they spearheaded an upset win over No. 12 South Carolina. It marked the first time a Tulane pair earned a conference tournament honor. Â
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Meanwhile, McHugh's 28 wins was just two shy of Tulane's single season record. Her stellar performance was rewarded with both CCSA All-Conference Team and All-Freshman Team recognition. McHugh started the year on a nine-match win streak, posted seven wins over ranked teams and notched 24 straight-set victories.
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The record for wins by a freshman heading into the season was held by rising seniors Madeline Mertz and Lan Nguyen, who each produced a 23-9 (.719) record in 2015. However, in 2017, Mergener tallied a 26-11 (.703) record, while McHugh took over the program's top freshman spot in both wins and winning percentage with her impressive 28-9 (.757) mark.
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"Tarin and Kaylie are exceptional people and are among the most accomplished freshmen players in our conference," Tulane head coach Wayne Holly said. "They each set the standard for how to show up every day and improve through mindful, hard work in practice. I'm very proud of them and excited for their future with our team."
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Mergener's 26 victories marked the second most on the Wave behind McHugh and Tea Juric. In addition, Mergener, along with Mertz, were named to the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) All-Tournament Team following a 3-1 outing at the conference championships in Georgia, where they spearheaded an upset win over No. 12 South Carolina. It marked the first time a Tulane pair earned a conference tournament honor. Â
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Meanwhile, McHugh's 28 wins was just two shy of Tulane's single season record. Her stellar performance was rewarded with both CCSA All-Conference Team and All-Freshman Team recognition. McHugh started the year on a nine-match win streak, posted seven wins over ranked teams and notched 24 straight-set victories.
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Players Mentioned
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
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