Let's dive into the sand and break down the latest beach volleyball action. Palm Beach Atlantic just sent a major shockwave through the collegiate scene, and we're here to give you the inside scoop.
Sailfish Stun Powerhouses in Home Stand Triumph
Palm Beach Atlantic, playing host at their own Sailfish Beach Volleyball Courts, delivered a statement performance this weekend, notching crucial victories over both the University of South Florida and, for the first time since 2022, the reigning AVCA Division II National Champions, the University of Tampa. Let's break down the drama.
First up, the Sailfish faced a surging USF program. Now, for those not in the know, USF is a relatively new Division I beach volleyball entity, but don't let that fool you. They've been aggressive in the transfer portal, pulling in high-caliber recruits from top-tier programs, aiming to make an immediate impact. But PBA wasn't intimidated.
PBA vs. USF: A 3-2 Nail-Biter
Anna Dunbar and Serena Baumgart set the tone at the No. 1 spot, securing a straight-set victory (21-18, 21-17). Cameron Ring and Katelyn Nadeau followed suit at No. 2 (21-19, 23-21), giving PBA an early 2-0 cushion. While Abby Plevin and Savannah DeCarlo fell at No. 3, Sydney Corbett and Annika Huhtamaki delivered a clutch performance at No. 4. Talk about grit! They battled through a three-set thriller (21-24, 23-21, 17-15) to clinch the match for PBA. Zoye Caroline and Angela Goggin fought hard at No. 5 but ultimately came up short.
PBA vs. Tampa: Upset Alert!
Then came the showdown with the University of Tampa. Let's be clear: Tampa is a powerhouse. They're the back-to-back AVCA Division II National Champions (2023 and 2024). They're the team everyone's gunning for. So, when PBA fell behind 2-0, with Dunbar/Baumgart and Ring/Nadeau dropping their matches, things looked bleak.
But this PBA squad showed serious resilience. Plevin and Huhtamaki ignited the comeback at No. 3 (21-19, 21-19), and Corbett and DeCarlo kept the momentum rolling at No. 4 (21-14, 21-19). It all came down to the No. 5 flight, where Caroline and Goggin delivered a gutsy three-set victory (21-17, 21-11, 17-15) to seal the upset. This victory marks a huge milestone for the PBA program, their first victory against Tampa since 2022.
What This Means for the Tournament Picture
These wins are a massive statement for Palm Beach Atlantic. Beating a rising USF program and the reigning national champions in Tampa proves they're a legitimate contender. This performance puts the rest of the conference, and the nation, on notice.
Looking Ahead: PBA Invitational
PBA will look to carry this momentum into their own PBA Invitational, hosting Lake Sumter State, Wingate, Emmanuel, and Barry on March 14-15. We'll be keeping a close eye on the Sailfish as they look to build on these impressive victories. Stay tuned to for more collegiate beach volleyball coverage.
