[Match 1 Results] [Match 2 Results]
When The Master's University removed two underutilized tennis courts last year and replaced them with a state-of-the-art beach volleyball complex, the new facility was meant to serve dual purposes.
The three sand courts were designed to enhance the experience of TMU's student body, serving as the centerpiece of a recreational facility that also features basketball, tennis and pickleball courts.
The other purpose, as the site for the school's intercollegiate beach volleyball team to compete, wasn't fully realized until Saturday. After months of practice, TMU finally hosted its first-ever home matches, falling to Vanguard University, 4-1, and beating Hope International, 4-0.
For TMU head coach Annett Davis, Saturday was a day she'll long remember.
"Today was like a dream come true being able to host matches at our own facility," she said. "We are so thankful to the school and our donors for their generous support. What an amazing gift they've given not only to our student-athletes but to the entire TMU community."
Chloe Johnson and Tara Delk, TMU's No. 3 team, were the only Mustang pair to win both of its matches on Saturday.
As a freshman last season, Johnson traveled with her teammates to competitions all over Southern California. After opening the 2021 season in Arizona last week, Johnson said it was "really sweet to play on our campus" Saturday.
"We have such nice sand, and the TMU Beach signage and nets make it look really professional," she said.
Katie Emmerling and Desi Brown, TMU's No. 1 team, split their matches Saturday. The pair lost to Vanguard 24-22 and 21-16, and beat Hope International 21-17 and 21-18. Emmerling and Brown have won three of their four matches this season and five of six dating to 2020, TMU's first season as a program.
Emmerling said one of the best parts of TMU's new sand courts is that they're "30 seconds from my dorm."
"I love our beach complex," the senior said. "It was definitely exciting to finally have a first official home game."
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