CONWAY – Wet, cold conditions did not slow down the University of Central Arkansas beach volleyball team as seniors
Haley Tippett,
Jessica Martinez,
Kellen Dunn and
Elleson Dunagin helped lead the Beach Bears to a dominate 5-0 victory over Ottawa University in their final home match, Saturday morning.
UCA (5-7) won all 12 sets to sweep the Braves and finish off its 2019 home schedule with a 3-1 record at the Beach Bear Sand Courts.
MATCH NOTES
- The No. 1 pairing of Tippett and Colene Hamilton continued their excellence at home with a 21-13, 24-22 straight-set victory. For Tippett, the win was No. 39 in her illustrious career, the most of any UCA beach volleyball student-athlete in program history.
- Mackenzie Dear and Aly Brinkley bounced back from a tough match yesterday to easily dispatch the Braves' No. 2 pairing 21-10, 21-13.
- The senior combination of Dunagin and Martinez improved to 2-2 as a duo on the season with a 21-17, 21-16 over OU's Emily Jackosn and Ayona Tharps.
- In her last game in Conway, Dunn, along with Faith Hasness, closed out their match early, defeating the No. 4 pairing from the Braves 21-11, 21-14.
- Kelsie Sager and Kelly Douglas made quick work of the No. 5 pairing, winning comfortably 21-8, 21-12 to cap off a perfect 5-0 day for the Bears.
- In an exhibition match, Kimmy Schnars teamed up with Kayla Cook and Hailey Weber to take down a couple from Ottawa 21-12, 21-9.
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH JENI JONES CHATMAN
"I was pleased to see the team bounce back and get the sweep of Ottawa today," Jones Chatman said. "I am also glad we were able to get in all pairs with the weather-related schedule the occurred.
It's always hard saying goodbye to the seniors but I am thankful we get one more weekend of play before that truly becomes official. Whether being in the program for three years or just one, each one of our seniors has had a major impact in our program. Their drive, passion and personalities have made our time with them fun and exciting."
UP NEXT
The Beach Bears will conclude the 2019 campaign with the Southland Showcase next weekend in New Orleans, La. For all things UCA Beach Volleyball, follow the program on Twitter @UCABeachVB or on Instagram @UCABeachVBall.
