Gulf Shores, Ala. – Senior duo Madi Kingdon and Kaitlyn Leary, along with sophomore pair Madison and McKenna Witt both advaced to the second day of pool play. The duo's made history Friday as they competed in the AVCA Collegiate Sand Championships in Gulf Shores, Ala. for the first time in program history.
The two pairs were selected to compete in the 16-team Pairs Championship to decide the top pair in the country.
Madison and McKenna Witt were placed in Pool A and defeated Louisiana Monroe's pair of Marcela Araya and Michelle McNamee, (21-15, 21-19). The twins fell short to the competing duo of Loyola Marymount's Betsi Metter and Sarah Sponcil, (12-14, 20-22). Arizona's Witt duo head to another day of pool play as they take on UAB's Kiriana Hirini and Bethanie Thomas at noon and LSU's Mandi Orellano and Katie Lindelow at 2 pm CT on Saturday.
Madi Kingdon and Kaitlyn Leary who were placed in Pool B went undefeated as they picked up wins against Grand Canyon and UCLA. Kingdon and Leary got a victory over Shannon Dugan and Mackenzie Phelps the duo of GCU, (21-12, 21-17). The pair then went on to defeat UCLA's Zoe Nightengale and Kamila Tan taking it to three sets, (24-22, 19-21, 21-19). The Wildcat seniors take the sand against Tea Juric and Jackie Wegner of Tulane at noon and Melissa Morello and Catey Warren of College of Charleston at 2 pm CT on Saturday.
Saturday will be a deciding factor as to who moves on to the 16-team Pairs Championships that takes place on Sunday, May 3. The top two teams in the pool will advance to bracket play and if placed third, the team gets a chance to play in the bracket.
For the full AVCA Championship schedule and bracket information see attached PDF.
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