JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman beach volleyball (23-4) returns to the AVCA Small College Beach Championship in Tavares. Fl. starting on Friday. The Eagles will kick off the postseason with a matchup against Tampa University (16-12) at 8:00 A.M. The Eagles will move on to a rematch against Tusculum (9-10) at 11:15 A.M.
Carson-Newman earned the 9-seed, placing them with the eighth-seeded Tusculum Pioneers and the first-seeded Tampa Spartans. Teams have been divided into four pools based on their seasonal results. All teams will have two pool play matches on Apr. 14th.
The Eagles' 3-2 victory over Tusculum last season at the AVCA tournament marked their first win at the tournament in 1090 days. The Eagles finished the tournament 1-5 and are 2-16 all-time at the AVCA Small College Championship.
Carson-Newman will begin the tournament with what could be their toughest matchup of the season against Tampa. The Spartans were 16-12 during their regular season, including a three-game win streak to end their regular season campaign. The Eagles last took on the Spartans at the AVCA Championships in 2021. Tampa won 4-1.
The Eagles will wrap up the tournament's opening day with a rematch against Tusculum University at 11:15 A.M. The Pioneers finished the season 9-10 but defeated the Eagles at the South Atlantic Conference Beach Challenge 3-1 a week ago.
Carson-Newman finished the season with a program record of 22 wins, surpassing last season's record of 15. McKenna Hall and Julia Wheeler led the Eagles with 25 wins this season, achieving a program record. Ava Fountain and Abbey Hildenbrand finished second on the team with a 22-3 record.
Sierra Still surpassed Morgan Siwiec for the most individual wins in program history. Still has recorded 45 wins during her time at Carson-Newman. Mia Toribio ranks second with 42, and McKenna Hall rounds out the top three with 40 wins.
For more information on Carson-Newman beach volleyball, visit cneagles.com or follow Carson-Newman athletics on social media.
