SALISBURY, N.C. --- The Tusculum University beach volleyball team won its third-straight SAC Beach Challenge on Friday (Apr. 7). At the weather-shortened event, the Pioneers were awarded the title after making quick work of both Catawba and Carson-Newman, becoming the ipso facto champion.

The intent was for the top-two teams to play a championship match, but with puddles forming and temperatures dropping, the call was made to send Tusculum home as the winner. In order to hasten the pace of play, each match ended once victory was clinched with a third point.

Tusculum (9-10) wraps up its season at the AVCA Small College Beach Championship in Tavares, Florida next weekend (Apr. 14-16).

Match 1: Tusculum 3, Catawba 0
The Pioneers opened the event by sweeping the hosting Catawba Indians.

At No. 5, Kyla Oppenhuis and Landry Tea blew past their opposites by scores of 21-10, 21-8.

Charlyn Miller and Katie McLamb nearly did the same at the fourth flight via a 21-12, 21-8 decision.

Jordyn Anderson and Riley Rushing earned their first win as a pairing in their debut at No. 3, edging out the Catawba duo in three sets: 23-21, 16-21, 15-12.

Since the 3's needed a third set, the Nos. 1-2 had begun their respective matches, winning the first set in each, before the match was clinched.

Match 2: Tusculum 3, Carson-Newman 1
Emma Johnson and Hannah Marsh provided the decisive point at the top flight over the rival Eagles, tallying their ninth-straight win.

Once again, Oppenhuis and Tea earned the opening score behind a relatively easy outing (21-18, 21-10) to remain perfect as a pair in three tries.

Not to be outdone, McLamb and Miller have won 10 in a row after defeating C-N in straight sets: 21-18, 21-13.

Kassidy Mercado and Morgan Pacione went for their first victory at No. 3, but fell just short in a three-setter: 6-21, 21-14, 9-15.

Johnson and Marsh wrapped up the day with a 21-18, 21-16 showing.

Anderson and Rushing were in progress at No. 2 when the match was clinched.