Women’s Beach Volleyball | April 13, 2024
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – The No. 2-ranked USC beach volleyball team (27-4) fell to No. 1 UCLA (28-4) in a 3-2 loss at the Center of Effort Challenge Final at Swanson Beach Volleyball Complex on Saturday, April 13.
The Women of Troy fell to 24-19 all-time against the Bruins. In USC’s 30th No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup, the Women of Troy are now 16-14 all-time and 7-5 when ranked No. 2 entering the meeting. The last time the Trojans played the No. 1-ranked team, it was also UCLA, and USC won, 3-2, in the NCAA championship dual (May 7, 2023). USC is also 14-2 in San Luis Obispo.
On court four, freshman Ashley Pater and graduate Grace Seits held off Ensley Alden and Natalie Myszkowski in straight sets (21-15, 21-17) to gain USC’s first point. At the top court, All-American seniors Megan Kraft and Delaynie Maple took down Maggie Boyd and Lexy Denaburg in three thriller sets (22-20, 15-21, 15-12) to gain USC’s second dual point. The No. 1 pair improves to 28-3 on the season and to 56-6 all-time.
At the No. 3 position, twin grads Audrey Nourse and Nicole Nourse fell 21-16, 21-16 to Kenzie Brower and Jessie Smith to go to 23-7 on the season. On court two, graduate Maddi Kriz and sophomore Madison White fell to Peri Brennan and Devon Newberry, 21-18, 21-19.
At the No. 5 position, freshman Madison Goellner and sophomore Mabyn Thomas battled to force a third set against Tessa Van Winkle and Jaden Whitmarsh, but ultimately fell 21-14, 17-21, 10-15 in the final match of the dual.
The Trojans will return home for two duals on Thursday, April 18, against No. 1 UCLA (28-4) and No. 10 LMU (22-11). USC will play its Senior Day dual against the Lions and honor 10 seniors after its conclusion. The Trojans are set for first serve against UCLA at 12:30 p.m. and against LMU at 2:30 p.m.
For more information on the USC beach volleyball team, a complete schedule, and results, please visit USCTrojans.com/beach. Fans of the
Women of Troy can follow the team on Instagram and on X @USCBeach.
No. 1 UCLA def. No. 2 USC, 3-2
Center of Effort Challenge Final
Swanson Beach Volleyball Complex · San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Saturday, April 13, 2024
RECORDS: USC (27-4), UCLA (28-4)
1. Megan KRAFT/Delaynie MAPLE (USC) def. Maggie BOYD/Lexy DENABURG (UCLA);…
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