FLORENCE, Ala. – The nonconference portion of the University of Tennessee at Martin’s 2024 beach volleyball schedule was finalized today as the Skyhawks competed throughout but fell 4-1 to both UAB and North Alabama.
UT Martin was pitted against stiff competition today as both the Blazers (17-12) and North Alabama (19-10) have received votes this season in the American Volleyball Coaches Association top-20 poll. The Skyhawks were able to post a victory against UAB courtesy of a strong effort from the No. 2 duo of Sydney Eckhardt/Dylan Mott while UT Martin’s No. 5 tandem of Kayla Carrell/Reagan McGee scored a win against North Alabama.
In the first match of the day against UAB, Eckhardt/Mott recorded their team-high 14th win of the season with a 21-17, 21-15 victory. The Skyhawks (11-15) nearly came away with a point at No. 5 but Carrell/McGee fell 13-21, 21-15, 15-8. Haeleigh Paulino/Kristin Phillips put up a fight at No. 4 but were defeated 21-17, 21-14 while Olivia O’Keefe/Jenna Vallée (21-13, 21-9 at No. 1) and Ryan Rednour/Addy Vaughn (21-11, 21-10 at No. 3) also fell.
Carrell/McGee got the Skyhawks on the scoreboard early in the second matchup against North Alabama, striking for a 21-16, 15-21, 15-12 victory to equal Eckhardt/Mott for the team lead with 14 wins this spring. Paulino/Phillips were defeated 21-14, 21-19 at No. 4 while Eckhardt/Mott fell 21-15, 21-16 in the No. 2 slot. Rednour/Vaughn were competitive at No. 3 but fell 21-15, 21-14 while O’Keefe/Vallée fell 21-11, 21-11 at No. 1.
UT Martin hosts a five-team tournament this Friday, April 19 through Saturday, April 20 for an Ohio Valley Conference Weekend. The Skyhawks will play Eastern Illinois (10 a.m.) and Morehead State (6 p.m.) on Friday before taking on Tennessee Tech (12 p.m.) and Lindenwood (Senior Night at 6 p.m.) on Saturday.
