By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin beach volleyball team began its participation in the 2023 Ohio Valley Conference Championship with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Tennessee Tech this afternoon at the Skyhawk Beach Volleyball Complex.
UT Martin’s victory improved its record to 25-8 today, extending its conference and school record for most wins in a single season.
The Skyhawks withstood rainy conditions and received early momentum from their No. 4 and No. 5 pairings. The No. 4 tandem of Haeleigh Paulino and Jenna Vallée put UT Martin on top by a 1-0 margin after a 21-12, 21-10 victory to start the match, improving to 21-3 on the season. Teaming up for the fourth time this season, Kayla Carrell and Ryan Rednour scored a 21-14, 21-16 triumph at No. 5 to nudge the Skyhawks ahead 2-0.
Since all matches on Day 1 of the OVC Championship were played to decision today, UT Martin needed just one head-to-head win to advance. That victory came from the Skyhawks’ No. 1 duo of Dylan Mott and Logan Wallick, who won 21-7, 21-13 to officially seal the win.
UT Martin’s No. 3 team of Lucy Kaufman/Addy Vaughn (21-12, 20-6) and No. 2 squad of Kambree Lucas/Olivia O’Keefe (21-9, 15-16) also were ahead of their matchups before their matches were left unfinished.
The Skyhawks advance to take on No. 3 Morehead State, who defeated No. 2 Chattanooga by a 3-2 margin in the final match of the evening. UT Martin will square off against the Eagles tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information