The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Cal State Bakersfield
UAB Splits Pair to Close FSU Unconquered Invitational
2/21/2026 6:48:00 PM | Women's Beach Volleyball
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The UAB beach volleyball team wrapped up play at the FSU Unconquered Invitational on Saturday, splitting a pair of matches. The Blazers defeated Cal State Bakersfield (1-4) and fell to North Alabama (3-2), moving to 2-3 after the opening weekend of the season.
In the morning session, UAB earned a 3-2 victory over Cal State Bakersfield, using strong performances on Courts 1, 2 and 5 to secure the win. The Court 1 duo of Jasmine Haas and Olivia Stant continued their strong play, defeating Erika Markentin and Olivia Silacci-Jensen 2-1. With the victory, Haas moved into a tie for the program record for individual wins with 70. Isabel Day and Pien Grooters delivered a key result on Court 2, defeating Sophia Anderson and Olivia Ostler 2-0. The Blazers clinched the match on Court 5 as Olivia Chychrun and Ava Grace Knott swept Vianna Garcia and Aensley Matautia.
In their final match of the tournament, the Blazers dropped a tightly contested 3-2 decision to North Alabama. UAB earned a win on Court 3 as Lauren Cairo and Claudia Stockard defeated Hailey Benesz and Lucy Wedding 2-0. Chychrun and Knott added another victory on Court 5, defeating Emma White and Mabrey Whitehead 2-0.
With the win earlier in the day, Chychrun recorded her 50th career victory, becoming the eighth player in program history to reach the milestone. The 2026 roster now features three players with at least 50 career wins: Jasmine Haas (70), Olivia Stant (56) and Chychrun (50).
"We knew coming into opening weekend that it was going to be a battle. I'm really proud of the way we set the tone against FSU, especially on courts 1 and 2, pushing both matches to a third set. That kind of fight says a lot about this group," head coach Delaney Rose said. "With each dual, we learned more about who we are and what we're capable of as a team. We know that we have more to give, so we're eager to get back to work this week in practice."
UAB returns to action next weekend in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the Tiger Beach Classic. The Blazers open the tournament against Washington on Friday at 9:15 a.m.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS: Stay connected with UAB Beach Volleyball by following the Blazers at @UAB_BVB on Instagram and X.
