TEMPE, Ariz. — Southern Miss opened its beach volleyball season at the Sun Devil Classic with a 5-0 victory over Stephen F. Austin on Friday, but fell to Nebraska and No. 19 Arizona in close matches, finishing 1-2 on the day.
The Golden Eagles started strong, dominating Stephen F. Austin at the Sun Devil Beach Volleyball Facility. Laurel Dennis and Sadie McAda clinched the win for Southern Miss with a three-set victory at the top flight. The team also secured wins at the second and fourth pairings, sweeping the match.
In the second match, Southern Miss fell 3-2 to Nebraska. The Huskers took an early lead, but Dennis and McAda rallied to force a third set at the top flight. Nebraska ultimately won the deciding set, earning the dual victory. The Golden Eagles also earned points at the fourth and second pairings.
Facing No. 19 Arizona, Southern Miss battled hard but lost 3-2. The Wildcats took an early lead but the Golden Eagles responded with victories at the second and fifth pairings. The deciding match at the top flight was close, with Arizona edging out Southern Miss in the third set.
Southern Miss is scheduled to conclude its trip with a dual against host Arizona State on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT. Live statistics are available at SouthernMiss.com, according to the university.
