FLORENCE, Ala. (March 14, 2025) – The University of North Alabama beach volleyball team went undefeated in action from Florence on Friday, defeating both Chattanooga and Missouri State at the Shoals Beach Bash at the UNA Beach Volleyball Courts.
North Alabama's first home invitational of the season was shortened by the potential of inclement weather, but the Lions did not let that stop them from securing a perfect 2-0 day.
UNA started with a solid 4-1 victory over Chattanooga before sweeping Missouri State, 3-0. The weather-altered schedule forced the second dual to be played to clinch, which UNA had no problem in securing the dominant win. The two wins improved the Lions' record to 9-5 while remaining unbeaten in home duals.
The court one, three and five pairings won both duals on the day, while senior Ryenne Gepford and freshman Pien Grooters won their opening bout from flight three against Chattanooga. Courts two and four against Missouri State were not played due to UNA clinching the dual from the first three flights.
Senior Katy Floyd and junior Selma Robinson tallied their ninth and 10th season win on the day, with sophomore Aurora Bibolotti and freshman Paige Griner improving their season record to 10-4. Graduate Kaitlyn Holbrook and junior Hailey Benesz picked up two wins, now totaling eight victories for the fifth-flight duo.
Match 1 — North Alabama 4, Chattanooga 1
The Lions had a great start in the debut dual from home, securing an early victory over Chattanooga. North Alabama's strong opener saw UNA rebound from its last outing against UAB, with the top three courts and court five seizing wins.
The top-flight pair of Floyd and Robinson captured a win against Corina Vale and Neva Clark, using three sets to take a 21-19, 18-21, 15-9 victory. Grooters and Gepford were victorious from the second flight, defeating McKenna Faychuk and Maddie Lecik, 21-15, 21-18. Griner and Bibolotti's ninth win of the season came in a 21-17, 21-19 third-flight triumph over Paige Gallentine and Kit Gresham.
Court five was a battle for Benesz and Holbrook, but the UNA duo overcame a dropped first set to defeat Sydney Jackwin and Ansley Gulledge, 16-21, 21-17, 15-12. The extra match was also by North Alabama, who saw junior Lucy Wedding and sophomore Hope Dicken beat Ava Goryl and Taylor Clark, 21-19, 26-24.
1. Katy Floyd/Selma Robinson (UNA) def. Corina Vale/Neva Clark (UTC) 21-19, 18-21, 15-9
2. Ryenne Gepford/Pien Grooters (UNA) def. McKenna Faychuk/Maddie Lecik (UTC) 21-15, 21-18
3. Paige Griner/Aurora Bibolotti (UNA) def. Paige Gallentine/Kit Gresham (UTC) 21-17, 21-19
4. Joy Courtright/Julia Lawrence (UTC) def. Sarah Larkin Lewis/Brooke Bolden (UNA) 21-19, 19-21, 15-13
5. Hailey Benesz/Kaitlyn Holbrook (UNA) def. Sydney Jackwin/Ansley Gulledge (UTC) 16-21, 21-17, 15-12
Extra: Lucy Wedding/Hope Dicken (UNA) def. Ava Goryl/Taylor Clark (UTC) 21-19, 26-24
Match 2 — North Alabama 3, Missouri State 0
Weather shortened UNA's dual to a "play to clinch" scenario, but the Lions shined bright by taking the first three courts en route to the unbeaten day. North Alabama took care of business on courts one, three and five, leading to the shortened sweep of the Bears.
Floyd and Robinson earned their second weekend win with a 24-22, 21-15 triumph over Becca Bach and Allyson Larkin from court one. Griner and Bibolotti secured win number two with a 21-17, 26-24 result against Maddie Schrandt and Morgan Sprague from the third flight. Court five's crew of Benesz and Holbrook sealed the deal, defeating Olivia Rattler and Erin Eschleman, 21-18, 23-21.
1. Katy Floyd/Selma Robinson (UNA) def. Becca Bach/Allyson Larkin (MSU) 24-22, 21-15
2. Ryenne Gepford/Pien Grooters (UNA) vs. Amanda Cleary/MacKenzie Steele (MSU)
3. Paige Griner/Aurora Bibolotti (UNA) def. Maddie Schrandt/Morgan Sprague (MSU) 21-17, 26-24
4. Sarah Larkin Lewis/Brooke Bolden (UNA) vs. Rylie Cepicky/Manuela Niemeyer (MSU)
5. Hailey Benesz/Kaitlyn Holbrook (UNA) def. Olivia Rattler/Erin Eschleman (MSU) 21-18, 23-21
COMING UP NEXT
The Lions hit the road again for a midweek battle in Tennessee, set to face UT Martin twice on March 19 at noon and 2 p.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
