GULF SHORES, Ala. --- The Tusculum University women's beach volleyball team swept the Challenge Round on day two of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Small College Beach Championships, earning a first-round bye in the Bronze Bracket.

Tusculum (13-15) begins Saturday (Apr. 19) in the single-elimination Bronze semifinals, facing the winner of the Wingate/Erskine match at 10:50 a.m. (EDT). The winner moves on to the Bronze championship at 3:30 p.m. (EDT), facing either SBU, McKendree, or Emmanuel from the other side of the bracket. The Pioneers are a combined 11-1 against the other members of the Bronze Bracket.

Match 1: Tusculum 3, Southwest Baptist 0
The Pioneers swept the Bearcats in the first-ever meeting between the programs.

Kyla Oppenhuis and Landry Tea held their No. 4 opposite to 26 points in the match, winning 21-6, 22-20.

Morgan Willis and Ryann Gallagher continue the onslaught with a 21-15, 21-16 victory at No. 3.

The top flight of Hannah Marsh and Brynn Smith clinched the match with a 21-19, 21-13 decision. 

Match 2: Tusculum 3, Wingate 0
TU beat the Bulldogs for the fourth time this season, this time on the biggest stage at nationals.

The same pairings in the first match had the results in the nightcap.

Oppenhuis and Tea trounced the No. 4 Wingate pair by identical 21-11, 21-11 victory.

At No. 3, Willis and Gallagher claimed a 21-13, 21-16 decision.

The No. 1 pairing of Marsh and Smith edged out a set one win by a 23-21 margin. They ran away with a 21-10 set two score.