Greeneville, Tenn. -- The University of Lynchburg beach volleyball team has kicked off its season with an even 3-3 record after trips to Gason, N.C. for the Rhinos Tournament and Greeneville, Tenn. for a double header against Tusculum.

Today, the Hornets squared off against Tusculum and fell in both contests. The first was a 4-1 decision and the second concluded 5-0. Though the score finished at five points, six matches were played in each affair - five scoring matches and one exhibition. The pair of Amanda Trapp and Kailey Keough earned a hard-fought win in the number one spot versus Brynn Smith and Dasha Nikolaeva, 21-13, 16-21, 17-15. Additionally, the pair of Regan Riddle and Virginia Zalinski claimed victory in the exhibition match against Beryn Hyland and Aubrey Justin with set scores of 21-12, 18-21, and 15-9.

Last weekend, Lynchburg traveled south for the Rhinos Tournament and squared off against Stevenson, Salem, Catawba, and Gaston, coming away with three victories. The Hornets defeated Stevenson and Salem, finishing on top 3-2 in each outing. Lynchburg then fell narrowly to Catawba, 3-2, and took down Gaston 5-0. 

Against Stevenson, Lynchburg battled to a narrow dual win with three courts claiming victories. The duos of Kailey Keough and Amanda Trapp, and SJ Yanz and Mady Shirey both fought through three-set matches, while Jamie Smith and Alexis Scipione added another three-set victory. Stevenson earned wins on courts three and five in the tightly contested matchup.

Versus Salem, the Hornets secured the victory behind three straight-set wins. Kailey Keough and Amanda Trapp opened with a 21-14, 21-14 victory, while Mady Shirey and SJ Yanz followed with a two-set win. Jamie Smith and Alexis Scipione also prevailed in straight sets to clinch the match for Lynchburg.

When facing Catawba, Lynchburg claimed two strong victories from the top pairs, highlighted by wins from Kailey Keough and Amanda Trapp, and Parker Lynch and Noelle Slye in straight sets. Catawba rallied in the remaining courts, including two tight three-set battles, ultimately edging the dual despite Lynchburg's early momentum.

Finally, against Gatson, the Hornets earned a decisive sweep across the courts, winning all three contested matches in straight sets while also claiming two forfeits. Kailey Keough and Amanda Trapp, SJ Yanz and Mady Shirey, and Parker Lynch and Noelle Slye each secured two-set victories as Lynchburg controlled the dual from start to finish.

The Hornets have a quick turnaround before their next slate of competitions as they are set to head down the road to Liberty to take on Richard Bland, Southern Virginia, and Liberty on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7.

Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-date news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.

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