The ball is back in play: Beach volleyball sweeps at season opener

Ethan Goodman, Contributing Reporter

It’s that time of the year again, folks. Kick off your sneakers and put on your sunglasses and sandals. Time to watch some Tulane beach volleyball. After finishing 16-18 overall in their 2019 season and a not-so-desirable finish in the CCSA Conference Championships, the Green Wave is looking forward to a fresh start in 2020 and have a few spikes up their sleeves.

The Tulane Green Wave has recently added Eyal Zimet in July 2019 as their new Beach Volleyball Head Coach. Zimet brings an impressive resume with his 8 years of collegiate coaching experience, and his 20-year professional background. “I am thrilled to be joining the Green Wave and I can’t wait to get started,” said Zimet.

Along with the addition of Coach Zimet, the Green Wave also have four new freshmen that are eager to jump in the sand, including Ashton Mares, Oona Bruss, Samantha Mehlman and Kendall Peters. These four new members will be aided by CCSA All-Conference Teammates and Seniors, Kaylie McHugh and Eva Torruella for a new promising 2020 season that has been very impactful so far.

https://twitter.com/GreenWaveBeach/status/1227337404303974403

The Green Wave season started out strong on February 22nd at the UAB Beach Blazers Dual. Senior Tarin Mergener and Freshman Kendall Peters defeated North Alabama’s Paula Klemperer and Natalie Kordt (21-18,21-17) and UAB’s Emma Andraka and Brittany Munro (21-14,21-9). 

The Green Wave further dominated with the teaming up of freshmen Ashton Mares and sophomore Ellie Leitko, beating North Alabama’s Ava Carnley and Mackenzie Martin in straight sets, 21-19 and 21-12, while also beating UAB’s Arden Copping and Salli Napolitano, 21-11 and 21-14. Along with wins from Junior Addison Hermstad with Freshman Samantha Mehlman, Junior Rio Frohoff with Junior Gabriella Becerra, and Senior Kaylie McHugh with Senior Eva Torruella, the Green Wave swept the UAB Beach Blazers Dual.

The Green Wave plan to continue this streak going into Baton Rouge next week when they compete in the Tiger Beach Challenge. In this tournament, the Green wave will battle against Spring Hill College, UCLA, Texas A&M Kingsville, Houston Baptist, and LSU.

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