TUCSON, Ariz.— The Arizona Beach Volleyball team wrapped up play at the Cactus Classic with a 1-3 record, securing a victory over Oregon (4-1) but falling in close matches to Boise State (2-3), Stetson (2-3), and Grand Canyon (0-5). The Wildcats fought hard in all matchups and will head to Tempe for the Arizona State Tournament on Friday, March 7.

The Sand Cats have had an up-and-down start to the 2025 season, holding a 4-4 record through their first eight matches. The Wildcats opened the year strong at the Grand Canyon Invitational, defeating Saint Mary's (4-1) and sweeping both Benedictine Mesa (5-0) and Ottawa (5-0) to start 3-1. However, they faced setbacks against nationally ranked Grand Canyon, suffering two 0-5 losses in both their road and home matchups. Arizona picked up a solid 4-1 win over Oregon in their home opener but dropped close 2-3 matches against Stetson and Boise State to close out the Cactus Classic. With a competitive start, the Wildcats now look ahead to the Arizona State Tournament, where they will face Cal Poly Friday at 9:00 a.m. and Coastal Carolina on Friday at 1:00 p.m. Arizona looks to bounce back and build momentum as they continue to play in the season. 

Arizona State Tournament Match Ups

Cal Poly- Arizona and Cal Poly have faced off nine times in beach volleyball since their first matchup on April 19, 2014. Arizona holds a 4-5 overall record against Cal Poly, with their most recent meeting resulting in a 4-1 victory for the Wildcats on March 18, 2023. Arizona has played one home match against Cal Poly, winning it, but has struggled on the road with a 1-3 away record. As they prepare to face off again in the Arizona State Tournament on Friday March 7, 2025, Arizona will aim to even the series.

Coastal Carolina University- Arizona and Coastal Carolina University have yet to face each other in beach volleyball - this will be their first duel. Coastal Carolina University's beach volleyball team has had a mixed start to the 2025 season, currently holding a 4-4 overall record. The Chanticleers have been dominant at home with an undefeated 4-0 record, but have struggled on the road, going 0-4. They began the season strong, however, they are currently on a four match losing streak.

Arizona State Tournament full match schedule:

Friday, March 7:
MATCH 1 - Arizona vs. Cal Poly (9:00 a.m.)
MATCH 2 - Cal Poly vs. Corpus Christi (11:00 a.m.)
MATCH 3 - Arizona vs. Coastal Carolina (1:00 p.m.)
MATCH 4 - Arizona State vs. Corpus Christi (3:00 p.m.)
MATCH 5 - Arizona State vs. Coastal Carolina (5:00 p.m.)

Saturday, March 8:
MATCH 1 - Corpus Christi vs. Coastal Carolina (8:30 a.m.)
MATCH 2 - Cal Poly vs. Coastal Carolina (10:30 a.m.)
MATCH 3 - Arizona State vs. Cal Poly (12:30 p.m.)

NOTING THE WILDCATS

Adri Nieves Papaleo - Nieves Papaleo and Kate Phillips delivered a strong performance, securing a decisive 21-14, 21-9 victory over Oregon. They also picked up a crucial win against Stetson (21-13, 21-15). However, they struggled against Grand Canyon and Boise State, falling in three-set battles.

Kate Phillips - Phillips dominated Oregon, winning 21-14, 21-9, and played a key role in Arizona's victory against Stetson with a 21-13, 21-15 win. Despite their efforts, they faced tough three-set losses against GCU and Boise State.

Annie Kost - Kost and Brooke Boyko showcased resilience, earning a 21-10, 22-20 win against Oregon. Against Stetson, they fell in a three-set duel (18-21, 21-18, 9-15). The duo also fought hard against Boise State but dropped a 21-15, 22-20 battle.

Brooke Boyko - Boyko and Kost started strong with a straight-set win over Oregon (21-10, 22-20). They had a tough three-set loss to Stetson and lost to Boise State, despite displaying strong defensive efforts.

Kylee Fitzsimmons - Fitzsimmons and Brooke Blutreich lost to Grand Canyon and Stetson in competitive matchups but came back with a straight-set win against Oregon (22-20, 21-17).

Brooke Blutreich - Blutreich and Fitzsimmons got a 22-20, 21-17 victory over Oregon.They battled hard against Stetson but fell in two sets.

Madeline Walker - Walker and Ashlyn Zilliken were dominant in their match against Oregon, winning (21-9, 21-4). They struggled against Grand Canyon and Boise State but showcased their consistency with another win over Stetson (21-19, 21-10).

Ashlyn Zilliken - Zilliken and Walker put on a show against Oregon with a 21-9, 21-4 win. They faced tough play against Boise State and Grand Canyon but secured a win against Stetson.

Jamie Streit - Streit and Katie Lambeth secured a three-set win against Oregon (20-22, 21-14, 15-9). They had close battles against Grand Canyon and Boise State but couldn't secure victories.

Katie Lambeth - Lambeth and Streit pulled off a three-set comeback victory (20-22, 21-14, 15-9). Despite their best efforts, they faced tough losses against GCU and Boise State.