By Vincent Rupena – Spear Reporter
Freshman Alexandra Dale and junior Jaena Bell in between points at the San Jose Invitational on March 17, 2024.| Photo by Andrew Hartley – The Spear
San Jose State beach volleyball went 3-3 during the Southland Midseason Tournament.
SJSU opened up the tournament in dominant fashion starting off by defeating Nicholls State 5-0 in its first dual of the weekend.
The momentum carried over into the next two duals leaving SJSU undefeated going into its fourth dual of the weekend.
The Spartans proceeded to lose three-straight duals but still witnessed a lot of good for the Spartans despite the poor finish.
Sophomore Teila Allen and senior Cheyenne Rice went 4-2. The pairing has been one of the best for SJSU the whole season. Their 11 wins so far this season are the most of any pair on the team.
One of the biggest takeaways for the Spartans was the pairing of Alexandra Dale and Tessa Rogers. The two were paired to play together for the first time in competition heading into the dual against McNeese State.
Winning their first dual in two dominant sets. The pairing continued to show their chemistry heading into day two of the tournament winning two hard-fought duals against Southern Louisiana and Houston Christian.
Their performances were a big reason why SJSU went into the final day of the tournament undefeated.
“We are really proud of them,” SJSU Beach Volleyball head coach Gary Hodge said.
It is unknown if Hodge will continue to pair Dale and Rogers together. The way they played makes a strong case as to why they should remain together.
The Spartans are next scheduled for a couple of home exhibition matches against West Valley College and Monterey Peninsula College on Wednesday March 27.