The Florida Atlantic University beach volleyball team, ranked No. 14 nationally, split its matches on the first day of the Seminole Beach Bash in Tallahassee on Friday. The Sandy Owls secured a 3-0 win over UNC Wilmington before dropping their first match of the season to No. 6 Florida State by the same score.
With these results, Florida Atlantic’s overall record stands at 5-1. UNC Wilmington is now 2-1, while Florida State remains undefeated at 8-0 this season.
Cameron Knifton and Allison Spittal recorded their fifth victory of the year for FAU with a straight-set win (21-14, 21-15) on court five against UNC Wilmington. Ava Koehl and Olivia Strandberg followed with another straight-set win (21-14, 21-13) on court two. Klaire VanDeusen and Mia Scanlon clinched the match for FAU by winning in straight sets (21-17, 21-10) on court four.
Against Florida State, Koehl and Strandberg won their opening set at the twos position but could not secure a match point as FAU lost in straight sets on courts three, one, and five.
Florida Atlantic has now opened its season with five consecutive wins and holds a perfect all-time record of 6-0 against UNC Wilmington. The pairing of Knifton and Spittal leads the team with a 5-1 record this season; VanDeusen/Scanlon and Strandberg/Koehl each have a pair record of 4-1.
The Sandy Owls will continue play at the Seminole Beach Bash on Saturday when they face No. 16 North Florida at 12:15 p.m., followed by tournament playoffs later that afternoon. Their playoff opponent will be determined after Saturday’s first match.
Fans can follow updates about Florida Atlantic Beach Volleyball through @FAUBeachVB on X and Instagram or by liking FAU Beach Volleyball on Facebook.
