The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Keene and Buckland Named to CCSA All-Conference Team
4/18/2019 2:02:00 PM | Women's Beach Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM - For the first time in program history, the UAB beach volleyball team is represented on the CCSA All-Conference Team as Jaelyn Keene and Tressa Buckland have been named one of six pairs to earn postseason recognition.
The Blazers' top duo re-wrote the record book this season and guided UAB to its best season in program history.
"I am so proud of Jaelyn and Tressa for how hard they have worked this year and how they've represented our program on and off the court," said head coach Kyra Iannone. "They have played every team's best pair and for them to set the single season wins record is a testament to their elite skill and mental toughness. They are both truly deserving of this award."
Keene and Buckland set the UAB single season wins record of 19 and look to become the first Blazers to win 20 games this weekend at the CCSA Tournament. Their overall record of 19-9 is the highest single season winning percentage in school history and they are 13-4 overall as partners. All but one of their wins as partners have come on Court 1.
Since partnering together on March 10, the tandem has recorded wins over nationally-ranked and conference opponents TCU and Georgia State, as well as fellow CCSA teams College of Charleston, UNC Wilmington and Southern Miss. Other notable wins include defeating Arizona State and Grand Canyon.
Buckland has had a storybook ending to her illustrious career at UAB. With her win at TCU last week, not only did she set the single season wins record, but she became the winningest player in program history. She enters the CCSA Tournament with 52 careers victories.
Keene made the most of her only year as a beach volleyball player. A graduate transfer from Illinois State, Keene erupted onto the scene this season and guided the Blazers to their most team wins in school history. Keene was an All-America Indoor player and now adds this beach accolade to her growing resume.
The Blazers (14-14) head to Emerson Ga., this weekend for the CCSA Tournament at Rally Volleyball. UAB has been entered into Pool III and will play No. 9 FIU and No. 17 Florida Atlantic on Friday before the elimination rounds begin.
Be sure to follow @UAB_BVB on Twitter and Instagram for updates on the beach volleyball program.
CCSA All-Conference Team:
Claire Coppola/Kristen Nuss - LSU
Federica Frasca/Margherita Bianchin - FIU
Madison Fitzpatrick/Alaina Chacon - Florida State
Shannon Williams/Cadie Bates - South Carolina
Kaylie McHugh/Eva Torruella - Tulane
Jaelyn Keene/Tressa Buckland - UAB
CCSA All-Freshman Team:
Kate Privett - Florida State
Allison Coens - LSU
Maddy Delmonte - Georgia State
Ronja Klinger - FIU
Kelli Agnew - LSU
Pair of the Year:
Claire Coppola/Kristen Nuss - LSU
Freshman of the Year:
Kate Privett - Florida State
Coach of the Year:
Brooke Niles - Florida State
The Blazers' top duo re-wrote the record book this season and guided UAB to its best season in program history.
"I am so proud of Jaelyn and Tressa for how hard they have worked this year and how they've represented our program on and off the court," said head coach Kyra Iannone. "They have played every team's best pair and for them to set the single season wins record is a testament to their elite skill and mental toughness. They are both truly deserving of this award."
Keene and Buckland set the UAB single season wins record of 19 and look to become the first Blazers to win 20 games this weekend at the CCSA Tournament. Their overall record of 19-9 is the highest single season winning percentage in school history and they are 13-4 overall as partners. All but one of their wins as partners have come on Court 1.
Since partnering together on March 10, the tandem has recorded wins over nationally-ranked and conference opponents TCU and Georgia State, as well as fellow CCSA teams College of Charleston, UNC Wilmington and Southern Miss. Other notable wins include defeating Arizona State and Grand Canyon.
Buckland has had a storybook ending to her illustrious career at UAB. With her win at TCU last week, not only did she set the single season wins record, but she became the winningest player in program history. She enters the CCSA Tournament with 52 careers victories.
Keene made the most of her only year as a beach volleyball player. A graduate transfer from Illinois State, Keene erupted onto the scene this season and guided the Blazers to their most team wins in school history. Keene was an All-America Indoor player and now adds this beach accolade to her growing resume.
The Blazers (14-14) head to Emerson Ga., this weekend for the CCSA Tournament at Rally Volleyball. UAB has been entered into Pool III and will play No. 9 FIU and No. 17 Florida Atlantic on Friday before the elimination rounds begin.
Be sure to follow @UAB_BVB on Twitter and Instagram for updates on the beach volleyball program.
CCSA All-Conference Team:
Claire Coppola/Kristen Nuss - LSU
Federica Frasca/Margherita Bianchin - FIU
Madison Fitzpatrick/Alaina Chacon - Florida State
Shannon Williams/Cadie Bates - South Carolina
Kaylie McHugh/Eva Torruella - Tulane
Jaelyn Keene/Tressa Buckland - UAB
CCSA All-Freshman Team:
Kate Privett - Florida State
Allison Coens - LSU
Maddy Delmonte - Georgia State
Ronja Klinger - FIU
Kelli Agnew - LSU
Pair of the Year:
Claire Coppola/Kristen Nuss - LSU
Freshman of the Year:
Kate Privett - Florida State
Coach of the Year:
Brooke Niles - Florida State
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
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