UTEP beach volleyball finished its regular season on April 18 at the Lone Star Classic, recording a 5-0 loss to No. 4 Texas and a close 3-2 defeat against Houston Christian.
The results leave the Miners with a final regular season record of 7-19 overall and an even 3-3 in Conference USA matches. The team’s performance at the tournament reflects both challenges and competitiveness as they prepare for postseason play.
Against Texas, UTEP was unable to secure a match win, as the Longhorns swept all five courts. Texas started strong by winning on court four in straight sets, then extended their lead with victories on courts five and three before sealing wins on courts one and two. Match scores included straight-set wins for Katie Hashman/Ava Patton (21-11, 21-18), Emma Grace Robertson/Lily Davis (21-8, 21-14), Savannah Thomas/Chloe Charles (21-9, 21-18), Macey Butler/Karin Zolnercikova (21-19, 21-12), and Hannah Ogden/Presley Wright who took their match in three sets (21-10, 17-21, 15-8).
In the second matchup of the day against Houston Christian University (HCU), UTEP dropped early points but rallied late. HCU claimed early wins on courts five and four before clinching the dual point with a three-set victory on court two. UTEP responded by taking matches on court one—Acuna/Hill defeated Paige Palmer/Grace Melnick in straight sets—and court three—Paegle/Threet edged Lauren Vickery/Alexa Landmark in three sets—but ultimately fell short overall.
Looking ahead, UTEP will compete next at the Conference USA Beach Volleyball Championship from April 23 to April 25 at Sugar Beach in Youngsville, Louisiana.
