FLORENCE, Ala. – The Southeastern Louisiana University beach volleyball team finished 1-1 to wrap up day one of the North Alabama Beach Ball Thursday afternoon at the UNA Beach Volleyball Courts.
SLU (15-13, 5-2 SLC) claimed its most single season wins in program history on the road, in its opening appearance in the North Alabama Beach Ball. The Sandy Lions achieved the feat after securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Central Arkansas (13-15). The green and gold opened serve, off to a hot start, as pair four Makayla Hicks and Cadie Kusy struck first to gain a 21-15, 21-12 win against the Sugar Bears.
Maggie Paiva and Taylor Stockwell stepped up for Southeastern as the duo battled down to the wire to secure a 23-21, 21-19 victory, compounding its momentum. SLU battled to extend its lead, but Central Arkansas' pair three regrouped to earn a two-set win and cut into its deficit, 2-1. Pair one Mia Sauers and Gabriela Hrubranova proved to be solid for the Sandy Lions as they recorded a dominant 21-13, 21-17 victory versus the Sugar Bears down the stretch, 3-1.
Central Arkansas weathered the storm and fought to bounce as its pair five claimed a tough three set win, but SLU took care of business early in the match to seal the deal, 3-2. The Sandy Lions returned to the sand to close out the day, suffering a 4-1 loss against Missouri State (22-4, 3-0). The Bears bounced back to finish the afternoon after falling 4-1 versus North Alabama earlier in the day.
Missouri State came to a solid start to open the match as its pair two noted a 21-17, 21-13 victory. Southeastern battled to gain momentum as pair four Hicks and Kusy worked to stay within reach, but the Bears extended their lead with a two set victory. Missouri State remained in control as its pair one secured a 21-18, 21-14 win, but pair five Elizabeth Hardouin and Genevieve Schubert refused to back down to claim a 21-18, 29-27 victory.
Hardouin and Schubert fought to help the green and gold avoid the shutout to finish the day. SLU will return to the sand Friday at 9 a.m. to face host North Alabama and close out its final regular season tournament.
Thursday's Results:
GOLDEN SAND CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the Southeastern beach volleyball program are encouraged to join the Golden Sand Club. Lion beach volleyball alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
All membership fees and donations to the Golden Sand Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern beach volleyball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.lionsports.net/sports/2026/1/29/golden-sand-club.aspx.
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Lady Lions Volleyball, follow @LionUpBeach on Twitter, @LionUpBeach on Instagram, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.
