The OUAZ beach volleyball team earned the top ranking in the most recent NAIA Coaches' Poll on Wednesday, but were already underway in against its new poll mate, ACU, before the announcement was made. The Spirit showed that it was clearly the top squad in the nation on Wednesday, defeating the Firestorm 4-1 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Three of the matches needed a third set to complete, and OUAZ was victorious in all three. Shea Marovich and Dayana Raygoza was the first pair to finish on Wednesday, dominating the third set 15-7 in the fours matchup.

Amanda Carlson and Grace Hughes had a tougher time finishing their third set, but did give OUAZ a 2-0 dual lead by earning the 19-17 decisive-frame victory in the threes matchup. Olivia Andersh and Mattea Wilson won the other third-set matchup, taking the twos after wining the critical frame 15-12.

The Spirit will test itself even more this Saturday, heading to Phoenix for a pair of matches against NCAA Division I teams. The day starts with a matchup against Grand Canyon at the GCU Beach Volleyball Stadium at Noon.