Beach Volleyball game between the Texas Longhorns and California Bears at Whitaker Sports Complex in Austin, Texas on March 21, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Texas Beach Volleyball kicked off the first day of the East vs. West Invitational with a strong performance, securing a 4-1 victory against No. 13 Grand Canyon University (GCU) before narrowly falling to No. 9 California Berkeley, 3-2. Both matches were held at the Whitaker Sports Complex, where the Longhorns showcased their determination and talent in front of a home crowd.
In their opening duel against GCU, the Longhorns established momentum early. The No. 2 pair of Emma Grace Robertson and Katie Hashman delivered a decisive win, taking their match in straight sets, 21-18, 21-15, and securing the first point for Texas. The No. 4 duo of Macey Butler and Noa Sonneville followed with an intense three-set battle, ultimately emerging victorious with a hard-earned 21-16, 25-27, 15-13 result. Carys Patton and Vivian Johnson, competing as the No. 5 pair, extended the Longhorns' lead by dominating their match 21-12, 21-15. Finally, the No. 1 pair of Chloe Charles and Eva Liisa Kuivonen closed out the victory for Texas with a 21-15, 23-21 win. GCU managed to claim its lone point against the Longhorns through their No. 3 pair, as Karin Zolnercikova and Maddison Parmelly fell in a competitive three-set match, 16-21, 21-19, 15-11.
The second duel of the day against California Berkeley began on a high note for Texas, as Butler and Sonneville continued their impressive form, securing a commanding 23-14, 21-13 win at the No. 4 position. However, the Bears fought back with consecutive victories. Robertson and Hashman, competing as the No. 2 pair, endured a close three-set loss with scores of 23-21, 17-21, 17-15, while Patton and Johnson were defeated at the No. 5 spot, 23-21, 21-9. Zolnercikova and Parmelly brought the Longhorns back into contention by winning their match 21-18, 21-15 at the No. 3 position. Ultimately, California Berkeley sealed the duel with a win at the No. 1 spot, where Charles and Kuivonen fell 21-16, 21-12.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns are set to face two formidable opponents, No. 2 LMU and No. 11 Arizona State, tomorrow at the Wright-Whitaker Sports Complex. With a challenging day behind them, Texas will aim to build on their strengths and rise to the occasion against these highly-ranked teams.
University of Texas Beach Volleyball
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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