California Beach Volleyball Dominates Battle of the Bay, Signaling a Strong Season Ahead
BERKELEY, CA – The No. 10 California Golden Bears beach volleyball team showcased its strength this weekend, sweeping both USF and Pacific in dominant 5-0 victories at the Clark Kerr Sand Courts. This performance not only concludes the Battle of the Bay on a high note but also highlights the team’s potential for a successful season.
Unstoppable Pairings Lead the Charge
Senior duo Mila Vugrincic and Jenna Colligan were particularly impressive, consistently holding their opponents to under 10 points per set. Across four sets played on Saturday, they conceded a mere 30 points. This level of dominance underscores their experience and synergy, setting a strong foundation for the team’s overall performance.
The No. 1 pair of Emma Donley and Portia Sherman, recently recognized as the AVCA/CBVB National Pair of the Week, continued their winning streak, improving to an 8-0 record for the season. Close behind, Gia Fisher and Ava Haughy boast an 8-1 record, demonstrating the depth of talent within the Cal beach volleyball program.
Fresh Faces Produce an Impact
Redshirt freshman Giselle Lau made her Cal debut alongside sophomore Elle Evers, securing a victory against USF’s No. 5 pair with scores of 21-19 and 21-11. The integration of new players like Lau signals a promising future for the Bears, adding fresh energy and competitive spirit to the roster.
Looking Ahead: MPSF Coast to Coast Classic
Cal will face a challenging schedule next week at the MPSF Coast To Coast Classic at USC. They are slated to compete against No. 4 USC, No. 12 LSU, No. 17 Grand Canyon, and No. 18 Washington. This rigorous competition will provide a valuable test of their skills and resilience as they navigate a competitive landscape.
Match Results
California 5, USF 0
- No. 1: Emma Donley/Portia Sherman (Cal) def. McKenna Towne/Kaydence Stormes, 21-10, 21-9
- No. 2: Gia Fisher/Ava Haughy (Cal) def. Jia Lonardi/Mackenzie Holden, 21-9, 21-10
- No. 3: Grace Hong/Marilu Pally (Cal) def. Rylie Reeves/Branson Lennon, 21-11, 21-13
- No. 4: Mila Vugrincic/Jenna Colligan (Cal) def. Lucy Speier/Jackie Strawn, 21-10, 21-6
- No. 5: Elle Evers/Giselle Lau (Cal) def. Nadia Murray Ceriello/Burkleigh Smith, 21-19, 21-11
California 5, Pacific 0
- No. 1: Emma Donley/Portia Sherman (Cal) def. Sam Holley/Valentina Varani, 21-10, 21-8
- No. 2: Gia Fisher/Ava Haughy (Cal) def. Kelea Saxton Vaka/Abby Miller, 21-11, 21-13
- No. 3: Grace Hong/Marilu Pally (Cal) def. Francesca Zanotti/Jayhlin Swain, 21-7, 21-10
- No. 4: Mila Vugrincic/Jenna Colligan (Cal) def. Josephine Kinlan/Zara Crawford, 21-4, 21-10
- No. 5: Elle Evers/Mila Yarich (Cal) def. Makayla Beckett/Charlotte Gibson, 21-13, 21-9
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FAQ
Q: Where does the Cal beach volleyball team play its home matches?
A: The team plays its home matches at the Clark Kerr Sand Courts.
Q: Who are the current No. 1 pair for the Cal beach volleyball team?
A: Emma Donley and Portia Sherman are currently the No. 1 pair.
Q: What is next for the Cal beach volleyball team?
A: The team will compete in the MPSF Coast to Coast Classic at USC next week.