Tulane University
North Alabama
Beach Volleyball Goes 2-0 in Season Opener
Feb 22, 2020 | Women's Beach Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The Tulane beach volleyball team is starting the 2020 season on top, notching a 2-0 record after defeating North Alabama and UAB in the Beach Blazer Duals on Saturday.
Senior Tarin Mergener and freshman Kendall Peters teamed up on the sand for the first time, taking down North Alabama's Paula Klemperer and Natalie Kordt (21-18, 21-17) and UAB's Emma Andraka and Brittney Munro (21-14, 21-9) on court two.
Also going 2-0 from the No. 3 position was freshman Ashton Mares and sophomore Ellie Leitko, beating North Alabama's Ava Carnley and MacKenzie Martin in straight sets, 21-19 and 21-12, while also beating UAB's Arden Copping and Salli Napolitano, 21-11 and 21-14.
Junior Addison Hermstad and freshman Samantha Mehlman came together on the sand to earn victories over North Alabama's Libby Jump and Joise Maldonado (21-19, 21-16) and UAB's Ella Alexander and Annie Pringle (21-7, 21-16).
Earning success from the No. 5 spot were juniors Rio Frohoff and Gabriella Becerra, defeating North Alabama's Genesis Benitez and Sam Shafer in two sets, 22-20 and 21-16, before beating UAB's Jenna Gathright and Brooke Stansel, 21-13 and 21-19.
Seniors Kaylie McHugh and Eva Torruella helped the Green Wave to a sweep over North Alabama, defeating Maya Dickson and Taylor Seney (21-15, 21-16) on court one.Â
The Green Wave are back in action next weekend, headed to Baton Rouge on Saturday and Sunday to compete in the Tiger Beach Challenge. Tulane will face Spring Hill College, UCLA, Texas A&M Kingsville, Houston Baptist and LSU.
Tulane 5, North Alabama 0
Court 1: Kaylie McHugh/Eva Torruella (TU) def. Maya Dickson/Taylor Seney (UNA) 21-15, 21-16
Court 2: Tarin Mergener/Kendall Peters (TU) def. Paula Klemperer/Natalie Kordt (UNA) 21-18, 21-17
Court 3: Ashton Mares/Ellie Leitko (TU) def. Ava Carnley/MacKenzie Martin (UNA) 21-19, 21-12
Court 4: Addison Hermstad/Samantha Mehlman (TU) def. Libby Jump/Joise Maldonado (UNA) 21-19, 21-16
Court 5: Rio Frohoff/Gabby Becerra (TU) def. Genesis Benitez/Sam Shafer (UNA) 22-20, 21-16
Tulane 4, UAB 1
Court 1: Kenley Adams/Abbey Thorup (UAB) def. Kaylie McHugh/Eva Torruella (TU) 21-18, 20-22, 15-8
Court 2: Tarin Mergener/Kendall Peters (TU) def. Emma Andraka/Brittney Munro (UAB) 21-14, 21-9
Court 3: Ashton Mares/Ellie Leitko (TU) def. Arden Copping/Salli Napolitano (UAB) 21-11, 21-14
Court 4: Addison Hermstad/Samantha Mehlman (TU) def. Ella Alexander/Annie Pringle (UAB) 21-7, 21-16
Court 5: Rio Frohoff/Gabby Becerra (TU) def. Jenna Gathright/Brooke Stansel (UAB) 21-13, 21-19
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