By Vincent Rupena – Spear Reporter
Spartans sophomore Teila Allen (right) and her partner senior Cheyenne Rice (left) celebrate after scoring | Photo by Andrew Hartley – The Spear
San Jose State beach volleyball dominated in a duel against Santa Clara 4-1. The duel was the first of two scheduled for the Spartans on Saturday.
SJSU had to overcome some challenges before the competition even began. The weather conditions were very poor Saturday morning at Spartan Beach. Rain fell early in the first duals and wind persisted throughout.
“The wind is a huge factor. It pushes the ball around big time, a beach ball is lighter than an indoor ball and it gets pushed even further,” Spartans head coach Gary Hodge said after the duals. “It’s right there as a potential match changer but our players were focused enough and disciplined enough to let that wash away.”
SJSU was able to secure a victory in the dual without losing a single set. The first three pairs to finish all did so in two sets.
One of the most impressive of those pairs consisted of senior Cheyenne Rice and Teila Allen. The Rice-Allen duo leads the team in wins on the season with 13. They added on another win on an already successful season.
Another pairing that performed well was Alexandra Dale and Tessa Rodgers. This win breaks a three-dual losing streak for the pair.
“Ali has transformed this year,” SJSU head coach Gary Hodge said after the dual. “She doesn’t act like a freshman, she doesn’t work like a freshman, she doesn’t work on her skills like a freshman and as you saw she doesn’t compete like a freshman.”
The Spartans will host another dual at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday against USF. SJSU will also be celebrating the seniors after the match.