The South Carolina beach volleyball team defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers for the second time this season.
After their first wave of matches, the Gamecocks were tied 1-1 with the Chanticleers. South Carolina ultimately secured a 4-1 victory in the second round of matches on Wednesday.
Graduate student Cadie Bates and senior Shannon Williams won both of their sets for South Carolina after falling behind 11-10 in the first set. The pair had a 21-11 win in the first set and a 21-7 score in the second set.
“Losing one of the matches in the first wave, I think, kind of catalyzed for the team of how we need to continued to be focused, motivated and drive forward,” head coach Moritz Moritz said.
Despite the tied score in the first wave, Moritz said that even though the Gamecocks lapsed early on, his team was able to bounce back as the matches continued. He said that the Gamecocks are “building momentum back" after coming off a bye week and not playing in as many matches.
Graduate student Lydia Dimke said the players knew they had to make sure that their team came out with great focus and energy. Dimke and junior Katie Smith cleared the Chanticleers 21-15 and 21-14 in their two sets.
“It’s always hard to beat a team twice, and I think we all came out with great, high expectations of them,” Dimke said. “They're a really good team. They're very solid, and even if you beat them once, they're not just going to roll over. They are going to push back.”
South Carolina swept Coastal Carolina in a road match 5-0 earlier this season. Mortiz said seeing the team recently gave South Carolina a bit of comfort and an advantage for the attacking game.
With this victory, Moritz said that if his team is playing the best volleyball that the Gamecocks determine, then it is a good day for growth. The Gamecocks have won nine of their last 10 games.
South Carolina now holds a 12-6 record and will face Arizona State on Sunday at noon.