TAVARES, Fla. – For the second consecutive season, the Texas A&M-Kingsville beach volleyball team reached the national final at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Small College Beach Championships. Unfortunately, they fell just short in the pursuit of their second consecutive national championship, suffering a 3-0 loss to the Tampa Spartans. The Javelinas reached the final match by defeating Colorado Mesa in the semifinals, 3-2.
TAMUK vs. Colorado Mesa
The top three tandems in TAMUK's lineup all emerged victorious to lead the Javelinas past the Mavericks. Senior Madison Brabham (Kingwood, Texas) and freshman Kylexus Block (San Antonio, Texas) completely dominated in the second flight, winning, 21-8, 21-9.
Senior Haley Hutchinson (Georgetown, Texas) and sophomore Macy Berg (San Antonio, Texas) put the Javs up a pair by conquering the third flight, 21-12, 21-11. The clincher was supplied by sophomores Tenley Housler (Bulverde, Texas) and Whitney Walker (Bellingham, Wash.). They put together at 21-12, 21-14 final in the No. 1 spot.
TAMUK vs. Tampa
The Spartans started fast by taking the first set on four of the five courts. The Javelinas attempted to battle back but Tampa was able collect wins in the first and fifth flights, putting the Javelinas in 2-0 hole. The victory by the second-seeded Spartans was completed when they took the second set in match No. 3.
Best of the Rest Tournament
TAMUK's time in the Sunshine State also included a pair of victories for sophomore Shelby Tate (New Braunfels, Texas) and freshman Lauren Kadilis (Spring Branch, Texas) in the Best of the Rest Tournament. Their wins over a pairing from Tampa, 19-21, 21-13, 15-8, and a tandem that included a player from Colorado Mesa and one from Webber University, 21-15, 21-13 gave them the top spot in Pool 2.
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