LIONS FINISH SHOALS BEACH BASH UNDEFEATED

FLORENCE – A pair of victories on the final day of the 2022 Shoals Beach Bash gave the University of North Alabama beach volleyball team an undefeated start to the season. UNA defeated Missouri State 4-1 before knocking off Central Arkansas 3-2 to improve to 4-0 on the year.

In the opener against Missouri State, the Lions grabbed the early 2-0 lead with win at the No. 4 and No 5 positions. UNA then clinched the match when Catie Ladner and Mackenzie Martin posted a 21-12, 21-13 win at No. 3.

The final matches at the top two positions both went two three sets. Missouri State avoided the shutout with a 21-16, 18-21, 15-10 victory at No. 2. Jelena Girod and Natalie Kordt then wrapped up the scoring by rallying for a 16-21, 21-11, 15-10 victory at the top spot.

The match against Central Arkansas featured the last two remaining undefeated teams. UNA again raced out to an early 2-0 lead with straight-sets wins at the bottom of the lineup.

The Beach Bears stayed alive with a 21-17, 21-15 victory at the No. 3 spot. Girod and Kordt then clinched the match at No. 2, picking up two wins by identical 21-13 scores.

UCA wrapped up the scoring by rallying for a 20-22, 21-18, 15-8 victory at the No. 1 position.

UNA will host a dual against Chattanooga on March 5. The two teams will play twice, beginning at 1 p.m. at the UNA Beach Volleyball Courts.

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Players Mentioned

#12 Natalie Kordt: 5' 10"; Sophomore

#13 Catie Ladner: 5' 8"; Sophomore

#5 Mackenzie Martin: 5' 10"; Freshman

#24 Jelena Girod: 5' 6"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#12 Natalie Kordt
: 5' 10"; Sophomore

#13 Catie Ladner
: 5' 8"; Sophomore

#5 Mackenzie Martin
: 5' 10"; Freshman

#24 Jelena Girod
: 5' 6"; Freshman