NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans beach volleyball program (1-1) kicked off the season with an impressive performance, starting with a commanding victory over Spring Hill College at White Sands beach volleyball courts Friday morning.
The Privateers faced a tougher challenge in the afternoon, narrowly losing to North Alabama, a team they will encounter again later in the season.
In their match against Spring Hill College, the Privateers displayed dominance across the board. Five pairs, including flight six, secured victories in straight sets.
Notable performances included senior Bria Garmon and sophomore Maria Ozaeta's comeback from an 11-14 deficit in the third set to clinch a 5-0 sweep at flight one. Additionally, freshmen Ola Filip, Nikelle Lander, and Anne Hardouin marked their debut with victories at flights five, three, and four, respectively. Seasoned players Valerie Vujnovich and Hannah Volpi added to the triumph with comfortable wins, marking their 31st and 47th career victories, respectively.
Against North Alabama, New Orleans managed to secure victories in two pairs.
Junior Ivana de Carvahlo Peixe and Lander showed resilience, bouncing back from a second-set loss to clinch a thrilling third set with a score of 15-13. Junior Serena Baumgart and Hardouin displayed dominance at flight three, securing the sole straight-sets victory for the team.
Although Maria Ozaeta and Bria Garmon pushed their match to a third set at flight two, they were met with a decisive play from the Lions, resulting in a loss for the Privateers.
Looking ahead, the Privateers will resume action tomorrow with matches against Stephen F. Austin at 11 a.m. and Oregon at 4 p.m. Fans can stay updated on the team's progress through live stats here.
Match Score: New Orleans 5, Spring Hill College 0
- Maria Ozaeta and Bria Garmon (UNO) def. (SHC) 18-21, 21-16, 16-14
- Hannah Volpi and Valerie Vujnovich (UNO) def. (SHC) 21-14, 21-14
- Ivana de Carvalho Peixe and Nikelle Lander (UNO) def. (SHC) 21-13, 21-19
- Serena Baumgart and Anne Hardouin (UNO) def. (SHC) 21-15, 21-14
- Ola Filip and Ashley Salazar (UNO) def. (SHC) 21-12, 21-10
Match Score: UNA 3, New Orleans 2
- (UNA) def. Hannah Volpi and Valerie Vujnovich (UNO) 21-14, 21-14
- (UNA) def. Maria Ozaeta and Bria Garmon (UNO) 21- 19, 12-21, 15-12
- Serena Baumgart and Anne Hardouin (UNO) def. (UNA) 21-12, 21-12
- Ivana de Carvalho Peixe and Nikelle Lander (UNO) def. (SHC) 21-15, 18-21, 15-13
- (UNA) def. Ola Filip and Ashley Salazar (UNO) 21-17, 21-8
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For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation's biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe! Visit UNOPrivateers.com/signup to stay connected and follow us @UNOPrivateers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
