Central Wyoming beach volleyball officially kicked off the season with a weekend defined by grit, growth, and high-level competition. Despite a lack of sunshine, the atmosphere on the sand remained electric as the team established a competitive tone for the months ahead.

Tournament Highlights: Battle on the Sand

The weekend was headlined by the duo of Ella Svensson and Coco Denison, who navigated a challenging bracket to secure a place in the championship match.

Their path to the finals included a standout semifinal performance against teammates Presley Ryan and Kyndal McFadden. The contest was widely regarded as one of the tournament's most thrilling matchups, featuring:

• Long, grueling rallies that tested both teams' endurance.

• Relentless defensive play on both sides of the net.

• A showcase of the depth of talent currently present within the Central Wyoming roster.

In the championship round, Svensson and Denison fought valiantly but ultimately fell just short as energy levels dipped. However, their performance was lauded as a testament to the determination that will drive the team this season.

Building a Growth Mindset

Beyond the wins and losses, the weekend served as a vital period for building team chemistry and acclimating to the unique demands of sand play.

"I think we had a really great learning experience this past weekend," said Hallie Reeder-Johnson. "We learned a lot, had a lot of fun, played tons of beach volleyball and are ready to play again."

The intensity was further amplified as teammates faced off against one another, pushing every athlete to elevate their level of play and embrace the "grind" of tournament life.

Looking Ahead: Destination Grand Junction

With the opening weekend in the rearview, the focus shifts to Colorado. Central Wyoming will carry its current momentum to Grand Junction for upcoming matchups against Colorado Mesa University and Trinidad State College on March 6 & 7.

Current Team Pairings

The following pairs represented Central Wyoming during the opening weekend:

• Laina Whitney / Hallie Reeder

• Presley Ryan / Kyndal McFadden

• Coco Denison / Ella Svensson

• Sarah Meservey / Brynlee Birch

• Quincey Mathews / Kennedie Noseep / Emily Van Ginkel (Rotating trio)