Tulane beach volleyball started the 2023 season off strong in their opening tournament. Hosting the Green Wave Invitational at the White Sands Volleyball Courts, the team went 3-1 against the competition with strong performances all around.

The Green Wave opened the weekend with a valiant effort against the No. 5 ranked LSU Tigers. Fifth flight duo composed of Savka Popovic and Lara Torruella was the lone squad to win the match against the Tigers, winning in a competitive three sets. McKenzie Cutler and Samantha Green also won their exhibition match against LSU, winning in just two sets.

The Olive and Blue bounced back later that afternoon with a 5-0 sweep against the University of New Orleans. All five duos won their matchups in just two sets each, dominating against the crosstown opponent.

The next day, the Green Wave moved on to face the University of North Alabama Lions. Another string of strong performances pushed Tulane to a 4-1 victory. The top flight duo of Kendall Peters and graduate transfer Mollie Ebertin fought a tough grudge match against the Lions’ best, taking the contest 2-1. The duo fought hard every play to secure the win, as each set was decided by just two points. 

To close out the tournament, the Wave took on the Nicholls State University Colonels. All five squads defeated their opponents, and they did so in commanding fashion. Three of the duos swept their matchup by double digit points in each set, swiftly securing their victories. Fifth flight duo Ainsley Patrick and Simone Gibson had the most secure win of the weekend for the wave, winning their sets 21-6 and 21-9.

Head coach Eyal Zimet praised his squad for their strong performances and for giving “110% effort each play throughout the weekend.”

The Olive and Blue hit the road this weekend to compete in the Stephen F. Austin Invitational in Nacogdoches, Texas.