HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Hope International fell just short of a major comeback in a 3-2 loss to No. 9 Benedictine Mesa in GSAC beach volleyball action on Thursday at the Brookhurst & PCH Courts.
With the score tied 2-2, HIU's Rita Nua and Cozette Zimmermann lost 21-18, 21-15 at the threes to Nicole Gary and Izabella Duchaine.
The Royals trailed 2-0 and battled back to a 2-2 tie with wins at the ones and fives.Â
Sabrina Galassi and Bryce Swain toppled Taylor Erickson and Amaya Evans, overcoming a first set deficit to win 18-21, 21-19, 16-14 at the top spot. At the fives, Manaia Mamea and Phoebe Sebby also won in three sets, prevailing 21-14, 10-21, 15-11 per Hailey Prieto and Bella Garey.
The Redhawks got off to a strong start with a win on line two, as Sophie Drollinger and Daisy Motes were 21-9, 21-12 winners against Kyla Dothard and Lole Mamea.Â
At the fours, Katie Barclay and Macy Thornburg earned a dominating 21-8 victory in set one, but lost the final two sets by 23-21, 15-11 scores against Ella Burton and Janae Moore.
The Royals have dropped eight straight contests as they fell to 6-11 overall and 5-5 in GSAC play. BENU improved to 11-4 overall and 8-3 in conference action.
HIU plays twice on Friday, facing OUAZ at 9:00 a.m. and Park Gilbert at 11:00 a.m.
