Ozark, Mo. – The SBU beach volleyball team began their 2024 campaign today as they took on two opponents at Volleyball Beach Ozark. The Bearcats fell in the first game but won the second to split the day.
 
In game one, Southwest Baptist took on Hendrix University for the third time as a Beach program. The Bearcats were unable to get their first win against Hendrix as they fell to them 1-4 today. Sophomore/Freshman duo of Bailey Lasater and Chandler Lawrence gave SBU a point in the #2 spot. Despite losing in set 1 they battled back to defeat their opponent in the third set. Also, snagging a point was the #1 spot team in Gabby Belcher and Carlee Lill winning in two sets 21-19, 21-16.
 
It was a near sweep for SBU in game two of the day, as they defeated Oklahoma Wesleyan 4-1. Lasater and Chandler continued their dominance being the only team to go undefeated on the day, dominating both opponents at the #2 spot. Katie Pogue and Dylan Coleman handled their match with ease in the #3 spot winning 21-9 and 21-4. Janel Pido and Ryleigh Fowler won in the #4 spot also in two sets 21-19, 21-13. It was a battle in the #5 spot as two Bearcat newcomers Briley Bagley and Rory Stanley just edged out their opponent in the third set 16-14.
 
SBU beach volleyball will return to action early tomorrow morning as they take on two more opponents. Beginning at 8am they will battle University of Louisiana at Monroe. Just a few hours later UT Martin will look for a piece of the Bearcats at 1:00pm.