Three nationally ranked beach teams to meet in the Aloha Invitational - Articles

Waikiki Beach, HI – Six women’s NCAA beach volleyball teams are converging on Waikiki Beach for the Aloha Invitational. The field includes top-ranked USC, No. 5 Hawaii, and No. 6 Long Beach State. Powerhouse USC (23-2) brings a 19 match win streak to the Aloha. Local favorite Hawaii (11-6) looks to improve upon its second-place finish in 2015. Defending-champion Long Beach State (9-10) hopes to repeat last year’s performance. Also participating are the University of Louisiana-Monroe (10-15), Grand Canyon University (15-6), and the University of Washington (3-1). “We must prepare for every situation,” said USC head coach Anna Collier. “We preach improvement, growth, and development; we seek a one-percent improvement every time out.” USC has a trio of seniors leading the charge. Alexa Strange has played solidly at the No. 2 spot, and has accepted a leadership role. Zoe Nightingale, a graduate transfer from UCLA, has been winning at the No. 5 spot. Emily Young, a sixth-year graduate student, is affectionately known as “grandma” because of her wealth of USC experience. Juniors Sara Hughes and Kelly Claes have been spectacular this year, earning a 31-0 record while dropping just one set. Hawaii looks to avenge three losses to USC this season; the most recent contest resulting in a 3-2 loss to USC on March 19. Hawaii features Nikki Taylor, an All-American indoor and outdoor All American playing at the No. 1 spot, and Katie Spieler, playing exciting defense at the No. 2 spot. Defending Aloha Invitational champion Long Beach has pushed both Hawaii and USC this...

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