The Santa Clara University beach volleyball team competed against two nationally ranked opponents on March 14, closing out Cal Poly’s Mustang Roundup in San Luis Obispo. The Broncos fell to No. 19 Arizona by a score of 4-1 and to No. 4 Cal Poly, 5-0, at the Swanson Beach Volleyball Complex.
These matches were significant as they tested Santa Clara (now 9-7) against some of the strongest programs in collegiate beach volleyball. Facing high-level competition provides valuable experience for the Broncos as they continue their season.
Against Arizona (11-4), Santa Clara showed determination with three of four completed pairs extending their matches to three sets. Tyler Parouse and Ava Stoddard secured the team’s only point at the No. 5 position, coming from behind to defeat Brooke Boyko and Sadie Moore in a close contest: 11-21, 26-24, 16-14. At the top spot, Sadie Snipes and Sammy Wood pushed Arizona’s Carlie Cisneros and Regan Holmer to a third set before falling, while Avery Cukjati and Teagan Wilson also went three sets at No. 2 but ultimately lost.
In their match against host Cal Poly (14-2), several Bronco pairs kept sets competitive but were unable to secure a win. Snipes and Wood faced Ella Connor and Erin Inskeep at No. 1; Cukjati and Wilson dropped their match at No. 2; Mandy Hansen and Noelle Niederman narrowly lost the first set at No. 3 before dropping the second; Cantlen and Urbina played at No. 4; while Parouse and Stoddard forced extra points in their first set at No. 5 before falling.
Looking ahead, Santa Clara will play San Jose State on Friday in what will be the third meeting between these crosstown rivals this season. The Broncos won their first matchup on February 20 with a score of 5-0, while San Jose State took the second meeting on February 28 by a score of 4-1.
The results from Mustang Roundup highlight both challenges and opportunities for growth as Santa Clara continues its campaign against strong opposition.
