The defense of the AVCA/NAIA Small College Beach Volleyball championship started Saturday for OUAZ, and it got off to a rousing start. The Spirit picked up a pair of 4-1 victories over San Diego Mesa and College of the Desert.

Katelyn Viray and Ashleigh Atsaros got the day started on the right foot for OUAZ, picking up a 21-16, 21-12 victory against San Diego Mesa. Katia Dizon and Abbey Willison wrapped up the team victory as they won 21-14, 21-11.

OUAZ was dominant in its four match wins over College of the Desert to wrap up the day. Dizon and Willison once again clinched the win for OUAZ, but did it in a little more dramatic fashion that earlier in the day. They trailed 14-19 in the first set, but rallied all the way back to win 22-20, and then cruised in the second set 21-5.

The Spirit will hit the sand again when they travel to San Jose, Calif. for four matches next Friday and Saturday. They will take on host San Jose State and Santa Clara on Friday, then close out the trip with Oregon and UC Davis on Saturday.