SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Santa Clara University beach volleyball team earned a split on Opening Day 2023, sweeping West Coast Conference foe Pacific, 5-0, and barely getting edged by host San Jose State, 3-2, at Spartan Beach.
"Today was a success and a great battle," said Santa Clara head coach Jeff Alzina. "With one of our top starters out, we had several players step up in new roles, many getting their first wins as Broncos, and swept an improving Pacific team.
"The battle with San Jose State came down to just a couple plays for the dual, and I feel really optimistic about the future of the season and the program."
vs. PACIFIC
The Broncos (1-1) dominated their first match of the season, sweeping all five pairs spots. Alexie Epstein and Alexia Gallegos had perhaps the most dominant win of the day, sweeping Pacific's (0-2) Gianna Mora and Jewel Turner by scores of 21-7 and 21-5 at the No. 5 spot.
Claire Doud and Hailey Benesz also dominated at the No. 4 spot, beating Abby Miller and Joli Ruby, 21-11 and 21-10.
Casey Campbell and Julia Sangiacomo served as the Broncos' No. 1 pair in the team's opening match, downing Pacific's top duo of Hania Taduran and Jenny Todd, 22-20, 21-13.
Santa Clara 5, Pacific 0
Spartan Beach – San Jose, Calif.
Feb 25, 2023
1. Julia Sangiacomo/Casey Campbell (SCU) def. Hania Taduran/Jenny Todd (PAC), 22-20, 21-13
2. Elena Radeff/ Nicole Robison (SCU) def. Camdyn Albrecht/Sedona Sherman (PAC), 21-13, 21-17
3. Jordan Bennett/Ella Duffner (SCU) def. Jillian Rodig/Josephine Kinlan (PAC), 21-15, 21-16
4. Claire Doud/Hailey Benesz (SCU) def. Abby Miller/Joli Ruby (PAC), 21-11, 21-10
5. Alexie Epstein/Alexia Gallegos (SCU) def. Gianna Mora/Jewel Turner (PAC), 21-7, 21-5
vs. SAN JOSE STATE
The Broncos narrowly fell to rival San Jose State in their second match of the day. And the decision could've easily swung the other way, with six sets decided by three points or less.
Sangiacomo and Nicole Robison were three-set winners at the No. 5 spot, winning the first, 21-18, barely falling in the second, 22-20, then winning the third and deciding set, 15-13.
Doud and Caroline Kedeshian were also winners at No. 3 pairs, sweeping the Spartans' (2-0) Meredith Scott and Isabelle Sistek, 21-17, 21-17.
The match hung on a very close No. 4 pairs matchup. San Jose State's Siena Brewster and Amethyst Harper had to hold off Santa Clara's Jordan Bennett and Ella Duffner in three sets. They won the first, 21-13, but lost the second, 21-18. Then had to win the third in a close battle, 15-11.
San Jose State 3, Santa Clara 2
Spartan Beach – San Jose, Calif.
Feb 25, 2023
1. Sangiacomo/Robison def. Jaida Ward/Cheyenne Rice (SJSU), 21-18, 20-22, 15-13
2. Tessa Rogers/Teila Allen (SJSU) def. Campbell/Radeff (SCU), 21-19, 21-15
3. Siena Brewster/Amethyst Harper (SJSU) def. Bennett/Duffner (SCU), 21-13, 18-21, 15-11
4. Blaire Fleming/Nayeli Tia (SJSU) def. Benesz/Epstein (SCU), 21-8, 21- 18
5. Doud/Caroline Kedeshian (SCU) def. Meredith Scott/Isabelle Sistek (SJSU), 21-17, 21-17
COMING UP
The Broncos next host the Big West Coast Classic on Saturday, facing Sacramento State and UC Davis of the Big West Conference at Main Beach in Santa Cruz.
