HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. – The top-ranked OUAZ beach volleyball team started its journey toward a conference championship on Friday in Southern California. After a setback in the opener, the Spirit eliminated #10 The Master's and advanced to Championship Saturday.
(4) #8 Vanguard 3, (1) #1 OUAZ 2
The Spirit jumped out to a quick start, winning the twos and fours to set up a potential clinch early. Dayana Raygoza and Shea Marovich won a tightly contested two sets at the fours, then Olivia Andersh and Mattea Wilson took a three-set match with a 15-13 final frame. The Lions were able to eventually find its way back, winning all three matches in the final wave to take the victory.
(1) #1 OUAZ 3, (3) #10 The Master's 2
The Spirit bounced back in style, eliminating the Mustangs in another matchup that came down to the wire. The two teams split the opening wave, as Andersh and Wilson won another three-set match at the twos, and the Mustangs took the fours matchup.
Leah John and Gabriela Corrales gave OUAZ the 2-1 lead after being victorious in three sets at the five position. Grace Hughes and Amanda Carlson clinched for the Spirit, winning the second set 22-20, then the deciding set 15-13, at the threes position.
OUAZ will continue its time at the GSAC Tournament on Saturday, having to win three in a row to win the title. The Spirit will match up with two-seed and third-ranked Arizona Christian in an elimination matchup at 10 a.m.
