AVONDALE, Ariz. — Arizona Christian University Beach Volleyball dropped a 4-1 decision to NAIA No. 1 OUAZ on Saturday at American Sports Centers in Avondale.
The Firestorm battled throughout the dual with several close sets, but the top-ranked Spirit secured four of the five courts. ACU's lone point came at the No. 3 position where
Alyssa Robles and
Abigail Nelson continued their standout season. The duo defeated Shayna Martinez and Railey Dykstra 21-16, 24-22, both earning their 15th individual win of the season while improving to 13-0 when paired together in 2026.
The No. 1 court was tightly contested as
Emily Casner and
Emee Fellens pushed OUAZ in the opening set before falling 22-20, 21-17.
Jaiden Zeis and
Jasmin Joseph also played a close first set at No. 2 before the Spirit pulled away 24-22, 21-13.
At No. 5,
Kapri Espinosa and
Lilly Petersen forced a decisive third set after taking the second set 21-18, but OUAZ claimed the match 21-11, 18-21, 15-6.
With the result, the Firestorm move to 8-9 overall and 4-5 in GSAC play, while the Spirit improve to 14-1 overall and 9-0 in conference.
Match Results
No. 1 OUAZ 4, ACU 1
- Eliana Dean/Maya Blake (OUAZ) def. Emily Casner/Emee Fellens (ACU) — 22-20, 21-17
- Olga Romero/Shea Marovich (OUAZ) def. Jaiden Zeis/Jasmin Joseph (ACU) — 24-22, 21-13
- Alyssa Robles/Abigail Nelson (ACU) def. Shayna Martinez/Railey Dykstra (OUAZ) — 21-16, 24-22
- Katy Shockey/Alicia Romero (OUAZ) def. Abby Siebert/Haley Tedrow (ACU) — 22-20, 21-14
- Marielle Ramos/Gabriela Corrales (OUAZ) def. Kapri Espinosa/Lilly Petersen (ACU) — 21-11, 18-21, 15-6
- Extra Match- Giulia Aldi/Alexia Luengo (OUAZ) def. Aaliyah Malden/Sydney Wade (ACU) — 21-9, 21-11
On Wednesday through Friday, the Sandy Birds will face off with their California GSAC foes in the second GSAC Jamboree of the season- this time in California. The three days of fun in the sun will take place on the Brookhurst Courts of Huntington State Beach.
