MONROE, La. – The University of Central Arkansas beach volleyball team hits the road for the ULM Beach Invitational on Friday and Saturday in Monroe, Louisiana. The Beach Bears are joined on the courts by host ULM, Houston Baptist, and Southeastern Louisiana.
The Beach Bears are looking to bounce back after a tough weekend against Top-25 teams. Aly Brinkley and Colene Hamilton lead the Beach Bears in the No. 1 spot and have a 4-5 record. Evelyn Griffith and Faith Hasness are tied for the second-most wins with a 5-4 record in No. 2 matches. Makenna Schmitt and Shannon Stone come into the weekend with the most wins on the team with a 6-3 mark in the No. 3 position. Bria Garmon and Julia Oravec are an even 4-4 in matches at the No. 4 spot. With a 5-3 record, Kayla Cook and Kelsie Sager are tied for the second-most wins on the team, playing out of the No. 5 position.
UCA opens play against Southland Conference foe, Southeastern Louisiana. Despite being in the same conference, this will be the first meeting between the Beach Bears and Lady Lions. Southeastern comes into the weekend 0-4. The Beach Lions are led by Mikayla Richard and Meagan Scuderi in the No. 1 position and the pair has a 1-3 record.
The Beach Bears will face ULM for the seventh time. ULM won the last meeting on April 5, 2019, 4-1, but UCA holds a 5-1 record against the Warhawks. ULM comes into the weekend with a 3-6 record. The Warhawks are led by Audrey Brooks and Julia Blazek at the No. 1 spot with five match victories.
Central Arkansas and Houston Baptist will meet for the 11th time. HBU has UCA’s number and has 6-4 record against UCA. The Huskies are riding a five-match winning streak against the Beach Bears, including a 3-2 victory on April 20, 2019. HBU enters the weekend with a 1-7 record. The Huskies are led by Kylie Bryan and Lindsay Harris in the No 1 pairing.
From the Coach – Head Coach Autumn Erickson
“Looking forward to carrying some things over from practice into this weekend at ULM. It will be fun to face some conference opponents, and sharpen our focus as we move forward on with the season. Every tournament brings new challenges and we are embracing the grind. Go Beach Bears!”
Friday, March 12
UCA vs. Southeastern Louisiana – 1:30 p.m.
UCA at ULM– 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 13
UCA vs. Houston Baptist – 9 a.m.
UCA vs. Southeastern Louisiana – Noon
UCA at ULM – 1:30 p.m.
