Beach Volleyball Preview: at The Bears Beach Bash

MACON, GA. – UNCW's beach volleyball program competes this weekend beginning on Friday in the Bears Beach Bash, hosted by Mercer, at the Bear Beach Volleyball Complex.

The Seahawks and host Bears will play twice during the tournament, opening with a 9 a.m. first serve on Friday. UNCW and Mercer are both members of the Sun Belt Conference for beach volleyball and the Bears edged the Seahawks, earlier this season in Wilmington.

UNCW will also face North Alabama (16-13) and Eastern Kentucky (15-9) during their four-dual appearance.

Senior Ashley Thompson comes into the weekend looking for her 51st career win which would set a UNCW record. The record of 50 wins was set in 2019 by Maddy Kline and Katie McCullough. Thompson owns a career mark of 50-32 and this season she's 17-6.

The pairing of Gabby LaPata, a freshman, and junior Sadie Sharkey have forged a 13-10 mark in their first season together. All 23 matches have been at the top pairing in the lineup.

Following this weekend the Seahawk begin their preparations for the Sun Belt Conference Championship in Golf Shores, Ala. The tournament kicks off on Apr. 27th and will be carried on ESPN+.

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Players Mentioned

#22 Sadie Sharkey: Junior

#31 Ashley Thompson: Senior

#4 Gabby LaPata: 5' 11"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#22 Sadie Sharkey
: Junior

#31 Ashley Thompson
: Senior

#4 Gabby LaPata
: 5' 11"; Freshman

UNC Wilmington Athletics

Scoreboard

Events/Results

Beach Volleyball Preview: at The Bears Beach Bash

Players Mentioned

#22 Sadie Sharkey

#31 Ashley Thompson

#4 Gabby LaPata

Players Mentioned

#22 Sadie Sharkey

#31 Ashley Thompson

#4 Gabby LaPata