The Santa Clara beach volleyball team wrapped up its Hawaii trip with two tough matches. They faced No. 16 Hawaii, losing 5-0, then fought hard against Oregon but ultimately lost 3-2. The Broncos kept the competition close against Hawaii, with several pairs pushing their opponents to the limit in both sets, particularly Cantlen and Urbina at the 4s. The later match against Oregon saw Santa Clara earning wins from Niederman and Hansen and Cantlen and Urbina, highlighting their competitive spirit despite the defeats.

By the Numbers
  • Four of Santa Clara's pairings were competitive against Hawaii, with Cantlen and Urbina forcing extra points twice.
  • Niederman and Hansen won their match against Oregon in straight sets, while Cantlen and Urbina rallied to win after dropping the first set.
Yes, But

Despite the losses, the performance against both ranked teams highlights growth and competitiveness for the Santa Clara team. The close scores indicate that they are capable of challenging higher-ranked opponents.

State of Play
  • Santa Clara's record now stands at 16-13 following the matches in Hawaii.
  • The team displayed resilience, maintaining competitiveness throughout the weekend against strong opponents.
What's Next

The Broncos will look to leverage this experience to improve their performance in future matches, focusing on closing out tight games. Continued development and teamwork will be essential as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

Bottom Line

While the Santa Clara beach volleyball team's trip to Hawaii resulted in losses, their competitive play against top-tier teams signals a promising trajectory for their season and a foundation for future success.