HCU Beach Volleyball Battles Through Southland Mid-Season Tournament
YOUNGSVILLE, La. – The HCU beach volleyball team delivered a strong performance at the Southland Conference Mid-Season Tournament on Saturday, posting a 2-1 record at Sugar Beach. The Huskies secured victories against Stephen F. Austin and Nicholls, showcasing resilience and teamwork.
Dominating Start Against SFA
HCU began the tournament with a decisive 4-1 win over Stephen F. Austin. The pairing of Hannah Foor and Olivia Zeigler led the charge with a swift two-set victory (21-10, 21-19) on Court 1. Grace Melnick and Paige Palmer followed suit, securing a 21-12, 21-14 win on Court 2, quickly establishing a 2-0 lead for the Huskies.
Dariya Tlevlessova and Claudia Verdejo Lozano clinched the match-winning point with a 21-17, 21-13 victory on Court 5. Alexa Landmark and Lauren Vickery added to the Huskies’ success with a three-set win (21-19, 18-21, 15-4) on Court 3, while SFA managed to secure a point on Court 4.
Close Contest with Southeastern
The Huskies faced a tougher challenge in their second match, falling to Southeastern by a narrow 3-2 margin. Despite the loss, HCU demonstrated competitive spirit, earning points on Courts 1 and 2. Melnick and Palmer continued their strong form with a two-set win (22-20, 21-18), while Foor and Zeigler battled to a three-set victory (9-21, 21-16, 15-7).
Sweep of Nicholls Completes Successful Day
HCU concluded the day with a dominant 5-0 sweep of Nicholls. Landmark and Vickery secured a two-set win (21-12, 21-13) on Court 3, and Tlevlessova and Verdejo Lozano mirrored their success with a 21-10, 21-18 victory on Court 5.
The Huskies continued to showcase their ability to win close matches, with Foor and Zeigler winning at the ones (17-21, 21-15, 15-9). Melnick and Palmer fought for a hard-earned point on Court 2 (23-25, 21-14, 15-10), and Allie Patton and Mycah Whittemore completed the sweep with a three-set win (18-21, 21-17, 15-6) on Court 4.
Looking Ahead: Final Tournament Matches
HCU will continue competing in the Southland Conference Mid-Season Tournament on Sunday, March 22, with matches scheduled against New Orleans and McNeese.
Southland Conference Beach Volleyball: A Rising Tide
The Southland Conference is proving to be a hotbed for competitive beach volleyball, as evidenced by the close matches and program firsts occurring at the mid-season tournament. Southeastern’s first win over HCU, as reported by Lions Sports, highlights the growing parity within the conference.
The Sugar Beach Advantage
Youngsville Sports Complex’s Sugar Beach is quickly becoming a premier destination for Southland Conference beach volleyball events. Hosting the mid-season tournament from March 19-22, 2026, as detailed on the Youngsville Sports Complex website, demonstrates the facility’s commitment to supporting collegiate athletics.
FAQ
Q: Where is the Southland Conference Mid-Season Tournament being held?
A: Sugar Beach at the Youngsville Sports Complex in Youngsville, Louisiana.
Q: What was HCU’s record on the first day of the tournament?
A: HCU finished the first day with a 2-1 record.
Q: Who did HCU defeat on Saturday?
A: HCU defeated Stephen F. Austin and Nicholls.
Q: When will HCU play their next matches in the tournament?
A: HCU will play New Orleans and McNeese on Sunday, March 22.
Stay tuned for further updates on HCU beach volleyball and the Southland Conference tournament!
