RICHMOND, Ky. --- The Tusculum University beach volleyball team recorded a pair of tight 3-2 losses on day one of the EKU Beach Tournament (Mar. 24).

Tusculum (5-9) rounds out the EKU event with a rematch against the hosting Colonels at 4 p.m. on Saturday (Mar. 25). The Pioneers will open the day with a 12 p.m. match versus the Liberty club team in an exhibition matchup.

Match 1: Eastern Kentucky 3, Tusculum 2
EKU used the top flight to even out the all-time series history with Tusculum at two victories apiece.

The fifth flight of Riley Rushing and Landry Tea were the first to finish, with the Colonels tallying the opening point 21-13, 21-16.

Charlyn Miller and Katie McLamb tied the match with their No. 4 win by scores of 21-18, 21-15.

Kyla Oppenhuis and Jordyn Anderson suffered a 21-16, 21-10 flight two loss to put EKU back ahead.

The host clinched the match with the third point after winning the top flight over Sage Dunne and Sofia Richmond 21-6, 21-11.

Hannah Marsh and Emma Johnson finalized the match score after winning the 3's via 21-18, 21-12 decision.

Match 2: Austin Peay 3, Tusculum 2
In the second-ever meeting between the programs, the Governors edged out the Pioneers 3-2. Austin Peay won the first three finalized matches to clinch, followed by Tusculum's two points.

Rushing and Tea lost in straight sets at No. 4 by scores of 21-13, 21-16.

Diana Bierwagen and Emily Venable got the nod at the fifth flight, taking the Govs to a decisive third set. The pair ultimately fell 10-21, 22-20, 10-15.

Moving up to the top flight, Oppenhuis and Anderson fell 21-15, 21-12.

TU's two wins came at Nos. 2-3.

Marsh and Johnson tallied a 21-16, 21-12 victory at the second slot.

Miller and McLamb rallied for a comeback at No. 3, needing the third set to win 7-21, 22-20, 15-13.