TUCSON, Ariz.– Arizona Beach Volleyball dominated on day two of the GCU Invitational, securing consecutive 5-0 sweeps over Benedictine Mesa and Ottawa. The Sand Cats showcased their consistency and delivered during both matchups.
The duo of Kylee Fitzsimmons and Brooke Blutreich set the tone early, ending Taylor Erickson and Kylie Bartelwith in a 21-10, 21-8 victory. Fitzsimmons and Blutreich controlled the tempo from the start, serving strong and aggressive net play to keep their opponents on the defensive.
Adriana Nieves Papaleo and Kate Phillips continued the momentum, overpowering Amaya Evans and Annika Wallace in a decisive 21-6, 21-13 win. Papaleo's setting up plays combined with Phillips' relentless attacking proved to be an perfect combination.
On court three, Ashlyn Zilliken and Madeline Walker controlled the match from start to finish, defeating Megan Hicks and Daisy Motes with a 21-8, 21-12 performance. Zilliken's defensive skills and several diving saves kept the rallies alive, while Walker's attacks took down Benedictine Mesa.
Annie Kost and Brooke Boyko also delivered a powerful performance, securing a 21-9, 21-13 victory over Nichole Gary and Anna Brytkowska. Kost and Boyko's ability to remain composed under pressure allowed them to dominate both sets without allowing Benedictine Mesa to catch ahead.
Closing out the sweep, Jamie Streit and Katie Lambeth defeated Sophie Drollinger and Ella Burton in straight sets, 21-7, 21-5.
The Sand Cats carried their dominance into the second match of the day, sweeping Ottawa in another 5-0 performance.
Fitzsimmons and Blutreich remained unstoppable, taking down Olivia Andersh and Summer Hanks in a 21-14, 21-17 victory. The duo maintained strong defensive positioning while keeping consistent offensive pressure, making it difficult for Ottawa to gain control over the match.
On court two, Nieves Papaleo and Phillips beat Amey Rainaud and Amanda Carlson with a commanding 21-16, 21-13 win.
Zilliken and Walker continued their stellar play, taking down Eliana Dean and Julianne Hemphill with ease, 21-11, 21-10. Their aggressive plays prevented Ottawa from gaining any offensive momentum.
Kost and Boyko faced a tougher challenge but still delivered, securing a 23-21, 21-11 victory over Grace Hughes and Shayna Martinez. The first set was a back-and-forth contest, with both teams trading points, but Kost and Boyko's experience allowed them to pull ahead. In the second set, Arizona took complete control, shutting down Ottawa's attack leading to a win.
Finishing off the perfect day, Jamie Streit and Katie Lambeth battled in a tight match, ultimately defeating Shea Marovich and Diana Enriquez in three sets, 18-21, 21-12, 15-13. After losing the first set, Streit and Lambeth regrouped and came back stronger. Their resilience during high-pressure moments secured the final win of the match.
The Sand Cats take on Oregon Feb 28 (Fri) at 11:00am and Grand Canyon Feb 28 (Fri) at 2:00pm for Arizona's first matches of the season in Bear Down Beach.
Arizona – 5, Benedictine Mesa – 0
Court 1: Adriana Nieves Papaleo and Kate Phillips (ARIZ) def. Amaya Evans and Annika Wallace (BEN), 21-6, 21-13
Court 2: Annie Kost and Brooke Boyko (ARIZ) def. Nichole Gary and Anna Brytkowska (BEN), 21-9, 21-13
Court 3: Ashlyn Zilliken and Madeline Walker (ARIZ) def. Megan Hicks and Daisy Motes (BEN), 21-8, 21-12
Court 4: Kylee Fitzsimmons and Brooke Blutreich (ARIZ) def. Taylor Erickson and Kylie Bartel (BEN), 21-10, 21-8
Court 5: Jamie Streit and Katie Lambeth (ARIZ) def. Sophie Drollinger and Ella Burton (BEN), 21-7, 21-5
Arizona – 5, Ottawa – 0
Court 1: Adri Nieves Papaleo and Kate Phillips (ARIZ) def. Amey Rainaud and Amanda Carlson (OTT), 21-16, 21-13
Court 2: Annie Kost and Brooke Boyko (ARIZ) def. Grace Hughes and Shayna Martinez (OTT), 23-21, 21-11
Court 3: Ashlyn Zilliken and Madeline Walker (ARIZ) def. Eliana Dean and Julianne Hemphill (OTT), 21-11, 21-10
Court 4: Kylee Fitzsimmons and Brooke Blutreich (ARIZ) def. Olivia Andersh and Summer Hanks (OTT), 21-14, 21-17
Court 5: Jamie Streit and Katie Lambeth (ARIZ) def. Shea Marovich and Diana Enriquez (OTT), 18-21, 21-12, 15-13
