Islanders Wrap Second Season of Beach

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – In its final outing of the 2017 season, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi beach volleyball was downed by No. 14 TCU and Texas A&M-Kingsville in a Saturday doubleheader.

"Today was basically a microcosm of the 2017 beach season," said head coach Steve Greene. "There were signs of individual player improvement, flashes of exceptional beach plays, a lot of inconsistencies, and a couple players stepping up to big challenges."

Facing nationally-ranked TCU, the Islanders battled tough but could not pull off the upset. Both the four and five matches went into third sets to open the day.
 
Kristyn Nicholson and Morgan Williams ran out to an early advantage with a 21-17 first set. Their TCU opponents, Jordan Terral and Aria Palter, rebounded to win the second and seized upon the momentum to take the third set.
 
Senior Kelsee Felux and Claire Karsten also force the ranked Horned Frogs into a third set at the number four spot. The Islanders dropped a 21-12 first set, but rebounded for a 21-16 victory in the second. TCU used an early run in the third to open a lead and held off the Islanders.

"I am glad to have had the opportunity to coach Kelsee Felux this beach season as she finished her collegiate career," said Greene. "She really improved her game immensely and became a strong defender on the beach and is now officially a two sport division I athlete."

In the top three pairings, TCU was able to take down the Islanders in two sets. Madi Fitzsimmons and Madison Green battled hard, but were downed by a 21-15, 21-15 score. At two, Morgan Carlson and Madison Woods fell 21-10, 21-15 while Mackenzie Coates and Mallory Moran were upended 21-8, 21-12.
 
In the second match of the day, the Islanders fell to Texas A&M-Kingsville 4-1.
 
Fitzsimmons and Green picked up the Islanders' point at the top spot of the order. For the second time this week, the Islander duo rolled over their Javelina opponents winning 21-15, 21-13.

"I'm really happy that Madison Fitzsimmons and Madison Green were able to put together another consistent and high level performance to close out their season," said Greene. "They have adapted to the beach game very well and really showcased their skills."

Unfortunately for the Islanders, the remainder of the lineup was unable to duplicate its success from Wednesday night.
 
In a reshuffled lineup from the last meeting, Carlson and Woods fell 21-14, 21-16 at number two. After a 21-15 first set loss at number three, Coates and Moran fell behind early in the second and could not rally back, falling 21-8.  
 
Felux and Karsten dropped a 21-13, 21-14 decision at number four while Nicholson and Williams fell 21-16, 21-13 in the fifth spot.
 

"Our beach program is in its infancy and I'm optimistic for the future," Greene said. "We'll bring in talented beach only recruits this Fall and there will be strong support from the athletic department and our school as we grow next season."

 
With the conclusion of the season, the Islanders will shift their focus to winning a third-straight Southland Conference title in the indoor season. Stay tuned to www.GoIslanders.com for the latest on Islanders volleyball throughout the summer.