TUCSON, Ariz. – The No. 13 Arizona beach volleyball team will return home to host the Wildcat Spring Challenge this weekend at Bear Down Beach. The Cats will make their tournament debut Friday April 12th at 1:30 pm MST against Ottawa (AZ), then against Santa Clara at 5:30 pm MST. Tournament play will continue on Saturday April 13th, when Arizona faces New Mexico at 10:15 am MST, then Santa Clara at 1:00 pm MST.
"We have had great support from friends and family members over the course of this past road stretch," said head coach
Steve Walker," but I'm really looking forward to getting back in front of our fans for one last home stand. This group has really put together a terrific season thus far, and we have improved a considerable amount in all aspects of the game physically and mentally over the last several weeks."
Arizona will also be holding a Senior Day ceremony Saturday from 12:30-12:40 pm MST at Bear Down Beach to honor our four seniors
Jordan Abalos,
Ainise Havili,
Mia Mason, and
Madison Rigdon.
"What this group of amazing young women have done for this years' team and for the program over their time here simply can't be measured, said Walker. "Whether it's Ainise and Madison playing just brilliantly for us in their first crack at the sport, or Jordan being one of the most inspirational athletes and leaders I've ever been around, or Mia being a day one and 4 year standout for us, their contributions will live long after their time at Bear Down Beach."
Admission to the tournament is free of charge, and fans are encouraged to come out and support. Friday April 12th, Zona Zoo will be hosting a tailgate and giveaway before Arizona's 5:30 pm match. Saturday April 13th, the first 50 fans will receive a free t-shirt and beach towel. An autograph session with your SandCats will follow the last match of the day.
Serving Up the Facts
Arizona came in at #13 for week a seven in the AVCA and DiG polls. This is following the Cat's 4-0 sweep in Tempe this past weekend.
The Wildcats came out on top 5-0 against Abilene Christian to begin the tournament, then went on to take down #7 Cal Poly 4-1. They closed out the weekend with a 5-0 win over the Utes, then a 4-1 victory over Pac-12 rival ASU.
SandCat Standouts
Natalie Anselmo and
Madison Rigdon added four wins to their record this weekend, making them 13-0 so far this season. The pairs 21-17, 21-11 win against #7 Cal Poly marks the duo's third victory against a higher ranked side, which includes beating #10 Stetson, and a lone victory against #3 Florida State.
Setting Up the Weekend
Arizona will start the weekend facing Ottawa (Az) for the first time in program history. They will also face a familiar side, New Mexico, who the Cats beat 4-1 the last time the Lobos were in Tucson. They will close out each day of the tournament against Santa Clara, who fell to the Cats 5-0 in last year's Monterey Invitational.
The full schedule for the Wildcat Spring Challenge is listed below:
WildCat Spring Challenge
Friday April 12th
Santa Clara vs. New Mexico (12:00 p.m.)
No. 13 Arizona vs. Ottawa (AZ) (1:30 p.m.)
Ottawa (AZ) vs. New Mexico (3:30 p.m.) *
No. 13 Arizona vs. Santa Clara (5:00 p.m.) *
Saturday April 13th
Santa Clara vs. Ottawa (AZ) (9:00 a.m.)
No. 13 Arizona vs. New Mexico (10:15 a.m.)
New Mexico vs. Ottawa (AZ) (11:30 a.m.)
No. 13 Arizona vs. Santa Clara (1:00 p.m.)
* - Matches will be played in two flights on three courts at a time.
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For continued coverage of Arizona Wildcat Beach Volleyball, visit ArizonaWildcats.com. Fans can keep up with the latest in Arizona Athletics by following us on Twitter (@UAbeachvb), Instagram (@arizonabeachvolleyball), Facebook (ArizonaBeachVolleyball), and Snapchat (Arizonabeachvb).
