Huntsville, Alabama – Boise State’s beach volleyball team had a notable performance at the AVCA National Pairs Tournament. Ava Anderson and Addison Wolden secured a spot in the top half of the bracket for the second year in a row, finishing tied for 31st place. Last year, they achieved a program-best 25th place.
The duo kicked off the tournament with a win against UNC Wilmington’s Gabby Lapata and Grace Sistrunk. They almost upset the sixth-seeded UCLA team but lost in a nail-biting match that went to three sets: 15-21, 21-15, 15-13. Unfortunately, they lost the next three matches, all decided by just a few points in the third set.
Meanwhile, Allyson Alden and Abbie Wolf faced an opening loss but bounced back to defeat North Alabama’s Audrey Gauthier and Selma Robinson in straight sets. They ended the tournament with a victory over Florida Gulf Coast’s Alexis Keeter and Ava Lilliquist, finishing 45th overall.
The rest of the Boise State team participated in the Saint Mary’s Pairs Tournament in California. Avery Allen and Addison Moss, along with Avery Bowidowicz and Summer McCann, both finished with impressive 3-1 records over the weekend.
Head coach Alex Venardos offered his insights after the events. He emphasized that every match was competitive and acknowledged the need for sharper focus and better decision-making. He remains optimistic, stating, “This shows we can compete against some of the best teams out there.”
The fall season is often challenging as teams learn and grow. Venardos believes the experiences will fuel their performance in the upcoming spring semester.
Key Takeaways:
- Anderson and Wolden have made history for Boise State by finishing in the top half of the tournament two years in a row.
- In a trend observed at both tournaments, many matches were decided by narrow margins, highlighting the tight competition.
- Anderson and Wolden’s opponents from UCLA eventually progressed to the finals of the tournament, a true testament to how close the match was.
Expert Opinions:
Sports analysts often note that small improvements can lead to significant results in high-stakes situations. A study from the Journal of Sports Sciences indicates that mental focus and decision-making skills can dramatically influence outcomes in sports similar to beach volleyball.
In Summary:
Boise State’s beach volleyball team demonstrated resilience and skill at recent tournaments, laying the groundwork for future success. Their ability to compete closely with top teams hints at a promising season ahead.
