TAVARES, Fla. – The Concordia University Irvine beach volleyball team traveled to Florida this week to participate in the AVCA Small College Championships for the first time in program history. The Eagles continue to be unmatched as they defeated Carson-Newman 5-0 and Saint Leo University 4-1.
 
The first match was played in the morning on Thursday and the sandy birds came out to play. They kept their opponents undefeated and all five flights only went to two sets. Although not all sets were easy, the Eagles were able to get the job done even if it was just within a couple points. Phair and Bernzen went the distance in the second set with the score toggling for a little to end in a 24-22 victory for the Green and Gold.
 
The second match of the day was a tougher challenge for CUI. Phair and Bernzen lost the first set by a close 18-21 but came back to win the next two that did not come easy. The score remained close for both but ultimately went in favor of the Eagles as they only won by two points in each. The only loss on the day for CUI was in the fifth slot where Saint Leo took the match in two sets but the Eagles still came out with the win.
 
Concordia University Irvine 5, Carson-Newman 0

1. Hannah Phair/Vanessa Bernzen (CUI) def. Sierra Still/Abby Hildenbrand (C-N) 21-14, 24-22
2. Hailee Ryan/Sara Ostojic (CUI) def. Alanis Mendez/Julia Wheeler (C-N) 21-12, 21-11
3. Shannon Evans/Tatum Smith (CUI) def. Morgan Siwiec/Mia Toribio (C-N) 21-17, 22-20
4. Isabella Bush/Ellie Cary (CUI) def. Piper Halcrow/McKenna Hall (C-N) 21-12, 21-19
5. Lauren Clifton/Nicole Miller (CUI) def. Lindsey Geurin/Taylor Keeran (C-N) 21-12, 21-18

 
Concordia University Irvine 4, Saint Leo University 1

1. Hannah Phair/Vanessa Bernzen (CUI) def. Nina Vattovaz/Jeanette Henderson (SLU) 18-21, 21-19, 17-15
2. Hailee Ryan/Sara Ostojic (CUI) def. Aliya Fredette-Huffman/Leeann Potter (SLU) 21-17, 21-14
3. Shannon Evans/Tatum Smith (CUI) def. Ally-Reese Williams/Emma Miller (SLU) 21-13, 21-9
4. Isabella Bush/Ellie Cary (CUI) def. Clare Flanagen/Brenna Reinhard (SLU) 21-11, 21-15
5. Elizabeth Sandoval/Amanda Doherty (SLU) def. Lauren Clifton/Nicole Miller (CUI) 21-12, 21-16

 
The Eagles will play against University of Tampa (FL) on Friday, April 15 at 6 a.m. PST. They will play another match but will not know their opponent or time until the morning games are completed. To see the brackets click here.
 
To see the full CUI beach volleyball schedule click HERE.