TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The University of Southern Mississippi beach volleyball team opened the FSU Challenge with a win and a loss Tuesday. The Golden Eagles lost to No. 8 Loyola Marymount before defeating Jacksonville, according to match results.
Southern Miss fell 5-0 to Loyola Marymount, which entered the week on a nine-match winning streak. The Lions secured the victory with wins across all five flights. In the top flight, Sadie McAda and Laurel Dennis pushed the Lions to extra points before falling 26-24. Other victories came from Chloe Hooker and Ines Piret, Katie McAllister and Ellie Davis, and the remaining pairs.
The Golden Eagles rebounded to beat Jacksonville 3-2 in their second dual of the day. Southern Miss claimed victories at the second and third flights, with the top flight match going to Jacksonville in three sets. The dual was decided by a close third set at the fourth flight, where Iustina Corcoz and Y-Nhu Do secured the clinching win for USM.
The team looks ahead to two matches Wednesday, including a dual against No. 5 Florida State and a rematch with Jacksonville. The FSU Challenge continues through Wednesday, with the Golden Eagles seeking to improve their record in the tournament.
