Cats Lose Close One to No. 1 Pepperdine in Zuma Classic

MALIBU, Calif.– After a hard fought battle, the sixth-ranked Arizona sand volleyball team picked up its third loss of the season Sunday morning to No. 1 Pepperdine in the Zuma Classic Championship. It was a close one for The Cats as the final score was, 2-3. UA now holds a 10-3 record.

The Cats got off to a fighting start, but fell short to Pepperdine. Arizona’s No. 2 team of Jianna Bonomi and Kat Schulz fought hard but picked up a loss to The Waves duo of Kaity Bailey and Delaney Knudsen, (21-18, 21-17).

At the No. 3 position, UA’s Olivia Macdonald and Sam Manley fell to the pair of Skylar Caputo and Corinne Quiggle, (21-18, 21-13).

Meanwhile, Wildcats No. 5 tandem of Hailey Devlin and MacKenzie Kleespies picked up a win against Pepperdine’s duo of Samantha Cash and Sarah Seiber, (23-25, 21-11, 10-15) after they battled in a three set rally.

The Waves would then go on to pick up another win as the duo of Madalyn Roh and Anika Wilson defeated No. 4 Sand Cat team of Mia Mason and Kalie Mau, who substituted for Sara Pantovic at the No. 4 spot, (21-10, 21-8). This was the pair’s second time competing together this season.

Arizona’s No. 1 duo came back and dominated against Heidi Dyer and Taylor Racich as they took the match in consecutive sets against Pepperdine, (21-18, 21-15). The Witt twins have remained undefeated over the season holding a record of 13-0.

The Sand Cats continue their play on the road as they head to New Orleans, Louisiana next weekend to match up against Spring Hill College, LSU and Georgia State on Friday, April 8- Saturday, April 9.

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