BABSON PARK, Fla. (March 10, 2021) – The Webber International University women's beach volleyball team fell for the first time so far during its 2021 season. The Warriors first lost 4-1 against NCAA Division-II Saint Leo University before then falling 5-0 against another NCAA D-II opponent, Palm Beach Atlantic University, on Wednesday on the Webber Campus Beach Volleyball Courts.

COACH'S CORNER: Webber's Head Beach Volleyball Coach Jessica Gehrke-Hauptmann said, "Our team battled two tough D-II teams today in Saint Leo University and Palm Beach Atlantic University. We were happy to have the opportunity to play against some higher level competition this season, especially on our home courts. Even though we did not have the turn out we wanted as a team, we were able to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses and make adjustments needed to improve moving forward." 

WEBBER LINEUP:

• No. 1: Emily Bowen and Montana-Rae Pelak
• No. 2: Julia Ferraro and Veeva Lee
• No. 3: Jessica Terry and LaRee Crockett
• No. 4: Hannah Tannone and Penny Gwynn
• No. 5: Shymara Dykes and Brianda Valdez

 
MATCH 1 (WEBBER 1, SAINT LEO 4):

• The lone win of the day for Webber was Hannah Tannone and Penny Gwynn winning in three sets, 21-13, 14-21, 15-6, at the No. 4 seed.
• Emily Bowen and Montana-Rae Pelak fell 21-12, 21-18 in the No. 1 spot, and Brianda Valdez and Shymara Dykes lost 21-13, 21-11 in the five hole.
• Webber fell to 1-3 all-time against Saint Leo.

 
MATCH 2 (WEBBER 0, PALM BEACH ATLANTIC 5):

• Hannah Tannone and Penny Gwynn again forced three sets at the No. 4 seed, but ultimately fell 20-22, 21-15, 15-11 after winning the first set.
• Julia Ferraro and Veeva Lee fell 21-13, 21-13 in the No. 2 spot, Jessica Terry and LaRee Crockett lost 21-14, 21-12 in the No. 3 spot, and Brianda Valdez and Shymara Dykes fell 21-15, 21-19 in the No. 5 position.
• Webber fell to 0-2 all-time against PBA.

 
TEAM RECORDS: After all three teams entered the day on Wednesday undefeated, Webber fell to 5-2 overall, PBA improved to 4-0 and Saint Leo moved to 3-1.

NEXT UP: Webber will host Crooked Lake rival Warner University for its Senior Day at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 16.