BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Hope International beach volleyball team concluded the 2026 campaign with a pair of losses to CSU Bakersfield and Vanguard on Saturday at the Barnes Beach Volleyball Complex.

After a 6-3 start to the season, the Royals struggled as they dropped 13 of their final 14 contests. However, five of those defeats were by 3-2 scores, as was this afternoon's season finale against Vanguard.

HIU also lost 5-0 to the host Roadrunners. The Royals finished their season 7-16 overall and 6-8 in the GSAC. 

The Royals won two matches against the Lions in the bottom two positions on the ladder. Manaia Mamea and Katie Barclay were victorious against Jenae Moore and Anne Mayfield at No. 4, squeezing out a 21-19, 21-14 decision. 

At the fives, Maci Hendry and Macy Thornburg lost the first set against Jadyn Starling and Gianna Pecile, but recovered to take the 19-21, 21-16, 15-12 victory.

But the Lions won the match by capturing the top three positions. HIU threatened the most at the ones, but Thea Snider and Josephine Springer outlasted Sabrina Galassi and Bryce Swain by 21-16, 22-20 scores.

Kyla Dothard and Cozette Zimmermann lost 21-14, 21-11 to Cassie Smits Van Oyen and Hayden Johnston at the twos.

The No. 3 spot featured Lole Mamea and Rita Nua falling 21-10, 21-19 to Avery Bennett and Jordan Packer.

The Royals had their best shot at a win against the Roadrunners from the ones, as Galassi and Swain took the first set 21-11. But Olivia Silacci-Jensen and Erika Markentin rebounded with 21-19, 15-13 victories over the next two sets.

Phoebe Sebby and Hendry paired up at No. 5 and took Havi Montano and Katey Milne deep into the second set before succumbing 21-11, 21-17.