USC vs. UCLA: 2023 NCAA beach volleyball championship | FULL REPLAY

Foreign Hey guys it’s Jaden whitmarsh I’m Lexi deneberg with UCLA beach volleyball and we’re going to introduce to you our pears starting with pair number one we have Lexi denenberg and Maggie Boyd we call them team Sour Patch because on the court they may seem sour but off the court they’re very sweet

Next we have Abby Van Winkle and Perry Brennan we call them team Periwinkle because first name Perry and then Abby’s last name is Van Winkle put it together you get periwinkle next we have Haley hullgren and Riley Powers we call them team fist bump because you can guarantee a fist bump

Celebration on their core at all times repair four we have Marley Monterey and Jesse Smith their team cuteness because if you look at their faces it’s hard not to find a smile lastly for pair five we have Devin Newberry and Jane whitmarsh their team reunited because they started this

Season separately but found their way back to each other let’s go Bruins [Applause] Hi my name is Gabby Walker a freshman on the USC beach volleyball team and now let’s meet our Squad joining me at the fives pair is my partner Olivia bagos we are team Fireball because we play a lot of fire and grip on top Court we have

Megan Kraft and Delaney Maple known as team hugs because they are a super reliable teams that will always be there for you on the second Court we have Team mad which includes Madison white and Madison Shields or mad dog they are being mad because they’re both named Madison

On the third Court we have Team double trouble because it has our favorite twins Nicole and Audrey Norris one’s a righty and one’s the Lefty so they’re extra tricky and on our fourth Court we have Team grandma with some of our favorite grad students including Ashlyn rasnick Pope and Jenna Johnson [Applause]

The Rivalry is so strong between these two these two coaches know each other so well Drea how are they approaching this Championship duel yeah Courtney it is such a big day I talked to both coaches about their message to the team and for USC Dame Blanton told his group to stay

Aggressive he said that you’ve created this moment for yourself now you have to go seize it he said you honor yourself your teammates and the players that came before you by giving it your all on the stand and for USC steinmesker kept it simple he said our Mantra all season

Long has been State disciplined stay patient and stay aggressive even on the biggest day of the year both coaches want their teams to enjoy it ladies and gentlemen we’re certainly going to enjoy it Andrea we will start with the twos Abby Van Winkle Perry Brennan for UCLA facing Madison Shields and Madison white

Again the twos and the fours the two pairs in action right now Here Comes Perry Brennan for UCLA Madison white number 10 in Black Madison Shield setting her up and it’s a point for USC and this is a crucial court for USC Van Winkle and Brennan undefeated at

The twos for UCLA nobody has been able to knock them off very strong pair a senior and a junior playing for UCLA Here Comes Perry Brennan who has made her way into the lineup this year but this is going to be a point for the women of Troy and USC’s

Freshman Maddie white all over that little poke shot USC off to a great start Shields and white 22-8 as a pair this season they are an avca Top Flight a winner that was at the threes they’re playing at the twos now they have moved up nice sir from Madison Shields and

There’s the first point for UCLA we do play the 21 points you have to win by two it is best two out of three on each Court Perry Brennan this one of the smallest players on the court won that battle at the net number five in white

This UCLA pair they are the ones that clinched the semi-final duel against Florida State yesterday and you could hear when Abby Van Winkle was talking to Dre about how proud she was of her partner Perry Perry Brennan USC off to a really good start and Perry Brennan just so incredibly grateful for

This opportunity after being out the first two years of her career she was not in the lineup now getting to compete and contribute to the Bruins but right now Madison white and Madison Shields doing everything right for USC about three to one [Applause] Van Winkle with a handset to Brennan and

It is stopped by Madison White the scouting reports super accurate and this ball blows a little bit tight Maddie white number 10 in black is so long at the net discipline block for the USC point Madison white number 10 in black she is a freshman Madison Shields

Is the grad student they call her mad dog Brennan going at the polling blocker white trying to hustle to get there but UCLA point but USC touching everything that’s a great sign for them to start this match Holly I know you got to see USC and UCLA face off last weekend at

Pac-12s what were your takeaways of that duel well I felt like UCLA had the advantage they played from the beginning this particular matchup actually happened and UCLA came out with a 2-0 win but every time you play you get data right you have scouting reports and you’re better prepared to play them the

Next time and USC has come out strong heard Drea say Dan Blanton telling his women of Troy to be aggressive and they are at the twos Madison White I’ll tell you USC right now playing like they have nothing to lose Maddie white digs the ball and in transition wrist

Away down the line for the Trojan point tonight her first beach volleyball tournament was in sixth grade she played with her best friend for fun she thought I’m gonna it’s gonna be easy and she lost all four matches she played but she came back yes that’s the key right that’s the key

They switched sides every seven points how’s the wind looking out there today too Holly good side and bad side you know it’s slightly Breezy and I would say UCLA on the better side but very slight today the good side being the wind in your face the bad side being the wind at your

Back it could be a little more aggressive on the good side to set up Shields great dig by Brennan the Poke to the back row is saved and then Madison white tried to hustle and send it over on two she was trying to be sneaky but it pays off UCLA able

To get this deflection off the block Perry Brennan Scoops it and then Abby Van Winkle at the net goes deep hard to control that ball and comes white going right at Van Winkle and Abby’s gonna win it Abby Van Winkle at six foot two is long at the

Net for UCLA and she can really affect the USC offense she is the UCLA career wins leader 128 wins over her career with the Bruins [Applause] I said White’s gonna get by her this time Perry Brennan a little bit late on her release to that line in USC able to find open sand

This little back set USC trying to make Abby Van Winkle the blocker move that creates some space to attack on the other side of the net [Applause] down the line trying to go aggressive a bit long I feel like this USC pair has nothing to lose they have not been able nobody’s

Been able to beat this team all year there’s only one way to do it come out execute and stay aggressive here’s Abby Van Winkle grazing the net comes White going off speed and Van Winkle can’t get it back over a point for USC UCLA touched that not sure if Van Winkle

Had to go on that if she touched it first that one falls short in the net keep passing up right here Madison Shields the transfer from Pepperdine they call her mad dog where will Brennan go with the poke right over the Blocker of Madison white and they will switch sides and Perry

Brennan making that adjustment obviously going higher since she’s been blocked twice already first look at the fours on the right side of your screen Marley Monterey Jesse Smith for UCLA facing Jenna Johnson and Ashlyn rasnick Pope again we are playing in flight so these are the only two courts in action right

Now when they’re done the ones threes and fives we’ll take to the sand courts are streaming live on the ESPN app if you want to stick with a pair swing by Jenna Johnson is long a point for UCLA and USC right now has the wind

At their back so they need to make sure they get their feet to the mall and make good hand contact so those balls don’t blow out and long there’s Marley Monterey in her second season of beach for UCLA she had an amazing indoor career at Florida as the

Starting Setter for the Florida Gators it’s made a great transition to the beach and down the line Ashlyn rasnick Pope the LSU transfer yeah this USC paired two transfers Ashland Resnick from LSU and Jenna Johnson a grad student she played earlier at Florida State at two and two

As a pair this season this has been a newer pair for Dane Blanton and USC Dane land made a big move after the Pac-12 tournament and realized he needed to shore up the four position to score in this pair did just that against TCU scoring an important dual point [Applause]

Drea how’s it been at the forest so far well it’s been incredible and Holly just made the point about Dane Blanton shiring up his lineup and I talked to him right before this duel started he said the lineup for Gulf Shores was all about athleticism and quickness because

Of the win specifically he said wind is for athletes we need him out there they’ve got to be able to play in all types of conditions and we have seen all types of conditions this weekend here in Gulf Shores as that goes long for USC we

Had rain and wind more wind than ever on Friday and lightning delays as well it’s been an interesting weather weekend for sure you see Dame Blanton there he has not lost a duel at ncaas as the head coach of USC that’s an incredible fact just wide for USC

Rasnick Pope trying to find that cross-court opening missing by inches this is a new pair for USC trying to figure it out only two and two [Applause] Jesse Smith on the serve meanwhile the UCLA paired 15-1 on the season Point Bruins Stein Metzger told us that this pair they make one another better

And that’s so important you want that great chemistry special especially for beach volleyball it’s so important Jesse Smith the ball magnet and Marlee Monterey just the fired up machine at the net Marley Monterey I mean I think she instantly became everyone’s best friend at UCLA when she arrived last

Year which is just incredible energy but right now USC good side out there you see Stein Metzger and Sean Fallowfield on the bench on this court this format where we play two chords and then we play three a little bit better for the coaches from what we’ve seen we

Have been playing all five Courts at once it’s definitely a better format for the coaches because there’s three coaches and five courts going how we ran the previous rounds and that makes it challenging because two courts are left without a coach service error by Jenna Johnson ball goes

Back into the hands of Marley monseray in comes rasnik Pope found some space and UCLA keeping the ball on Ashland raznick poke for USC but she answers there the score totals up to 21 points and that means it’s a technical time out we’ll step aside somebody’s getting buried in the sand out there

We welcome you back to the beach for our national championship Courtney Lyle Holly mcbeek and Draya Carter with you you sell UCLA USC we are in the first flight so the twos and the fours the only two pairs in action right now you can see both of these courts streaming

Live on the ESPN app we want to zoom in now on the twos Abby Van Winkle and Perry Brennan leading Madison Shields and Madison white this has been close and Holly I know this was a key port for you it was because I felt like UCLA had the huge

Advantage but right now Madison Shields and Maddie white play really strong aggressive volleyball just down by one this is Shield serving Winkle setting up Brennan to the back corner Perry Brennan’s got every shot and that one just deep to the corner good side out she likes to attack out of

The middle of the Court playing to 21 you have to win by two Whichever School wins on three courts first wins the national championship and that one Sails Long on Perry Brennan [Applause] USC pair came out really aggressive early confident you could see that early on in this set anyway scoring wow cool man Madison white that’s her second Ace she also has

Two blocks she is stepping up big for USC Drea is down watching this court well Courtney I listened in to USC assistant coach Gustavo hosha and he told this pair they have to stay engaged to keep everything in front of you he also told them slowed down he felt like

They were playing too fast they have to make UCLA earn it he then finished with this is a long battle enjoy the fight and that he has been saying that all season long about this particular pair slow down be in the moment take care of opportunities when he talks about keep

Everything in front of you what does that mean Holly well it means that don’t rush things and get ahead of the ball you want to stay behind it so your court vision is good and you need that against a big block and a Defender like Perry Brennan [Applause]

Say that right here yeah the big block being Abby Van Winkle at 6-2 Perry Brennan being the defender five seven most of the times in beach volleyball you’ll have one player that’s the primary blocker and one that’s the defender sometimes they will split block [Applause] I’m a short served by Abby Van Winkle

Two USC sets up the on two play but Abby Van Winkle is so quick to get up to the net Maddie white goes over her and long as the blocker Van Winkle has to serve and then run all the way up to get ready to play

It’s a long way to run but she gets her feet set oh nice tag of the line right outside Abby Van Winkle Maddie white just had inches to execute that watch Abby Van Winkle where she takes of the court she forces her to hit the short

Part of the court and Maddie white says thank you I will good execution there for USC how about the shot from our drone the aerial view okay like getting it out of the net Shield’s taking the swing Van Winkle looking to cook Shield’s going high you heard the call

High Line Madison Shields is playing really disciplined defensive making fantastic reads digging those balls in transition this is a pair for UCLA a little redirect that ball usually goes down but they’re forcing UCLA to extend the rally and then terminate down the line over the block Madison Shields

Stepping up Shields played Four Seasons of Endor at Pepperdine was the conference liberal of the year and then played a season of beach at peppertine Pepperdine as well in her first season with USC here that ball hit wide and now USC with a one point Advantage late in this first set

Going to 21 they’ll take her time out here USC up by one 17-16 you do have to win by two while they take a seat we’re gonna go back over to the four smartly Monterey Jesse Smith facing Jenna Johnson and Ashlyn rasnick Pope UCLA Duo up by four attacking error for Jesse Smith

Jenna Johnson for USC dropping into that shortcut shot she was there if that cleared the tape transition settings so important you need to push each other up to the net Jenna Johnson and Ashland razak hope are split players so they are not a huge block they are good blockers but I feel

Like UCLA would have the advantage of the net if they push each other tight Dane Blanton told us Johnson just a utility player she’s got all the skills can lock defend you see her there up at the net blocking Jesse Smith working her way back in and

Again she can’t get that little shot over two cut shots dropped short for Jesse Smith she did a fantastic job running that ball down but I’d love to see her go up to hit first and then bring the shot second especially this late in the first set Smith has a twin Caitlyn that plays indoor at USC who would Caitlyn be cheering for today I hope her twin sister Janet Johnson ripping one from the back line great deep middle serve love the aggressive mindset that was something yesterday we talked about how important aggressive serving

Is especially at this stage of the game at this level serving makes a difference and then there’s obviously the mental factors but serving really sets the tone and sets up your defense Monterey what a layout by rasnik Pope and she just turned it too much what a

Great hustle on the defensive side for Ashlyn rasnick Pope incredible dig and a missed opportunity [Applause] but USC there’s Scouting Report obviously on point because they are touching so many balls defensively officially up by two going to 21. turning it throwing it down rasnick Pope

Wow that ball was set tight to the net but rasnick Pope able to hit this ball inside the block of Marley Monterey that is power with range for USC elyn rasnick Pope has been such a great addition to this USC program now she has had five different partners this season

But so adaptable can play with anyone yeah she had some health injuries early on but Dane Blanton knew he needed to put her in the line of her leadership skills obviously her experience on the court she could do it all this is her fourth NCAA appearance made three with LSU [Applause]

USC we are tied at 18. USC making things happen resident Pope out of Texas and we’ll take a time out here both UCLA Bruins on the twos and fours had to take timeouts at this point in the set so they sit at the forest to take a timeout

Back to the twos Shields and white of 1918 two points away from taking the set Brennan got it big swing there that time avoiding the block of Maddie white at the net for USC stop twos and fours again the only two pairs the only two courts in action

Right now they’ll play to completion Brennan looking going over the block drops it on the back line and it’s set point UCLA in that serve set everything up for UCLA she got USC in trouble with a tough serve and they’re able to transition for a point timeout called with the Bruins having set point at the twos

And just setting a timeout at the fours well the road to the Women’s College World Series begins with the selection show on Sunday May 14th at 7 Eastern on ESPN2 for more information on the NCAA women’s softball championships visit ncaa.com your home for all 90 NCAA championships

These are both of our Courts for playing in fights the twos and fours in action and both close first sets Holly yeah prior to the starting this match I felt like UCLA had the advantage on both courts just from previous meetings but USC has come out really strong so far

We’ve talked a lot about conditions too Drea how is it out there on the sand yeah Courtney we’ve seen a little bit of everything right rain wind but this today is definitely the hottest day out on the sand I know I’m feeling it but I’m also seeing a lot more wet towels on

The athletes when they’re coming to these sit-downs so the heat is definitely a factor today but it’s only one match so I think it’s a combination of a little heat humidity and nerves thank you unfortunately we have had overcast Skies most of the tournament here at Gulf Shores have had some rain though

Three with the hard swing tied at 19. checking back in with the twos on the right side of your screen setpoint UCLA and it’s a service error tied at 20. you have to win by two in Bruins on the slightly better side with the wind in

Their face that allows them to be more aggressive from the service line Foreign Jesse Smith got it set point UCLA at the force turning to the right side of your screen at the twos tied up it’s coming right back over Madison Shields Madison Shields just did what Perry Brennan does to everybody she runs down balls and goes over on one when the

Attacker’s still at the net smart play for USC left side of your screen set point UCLA Monterey with the block USC digs it out of the net Smith trying to challenge Jenna Johnson Johnson’s gonna fire back tied at 20. incredible response big win on the rally at the fours

Back to the right side of your screen the twos set point USC Happy Van Winkle dug up by Shields nicely just long for Madison Shields but we’ll switch sides in USC at the two pair going to the better side tied up at the force Marley Monterey once that called in it’s

Originally awarded to USC Monterey pretty darn sure that it was in but it’s right in front of the referee and they break these lines so it should be a clear ball Mark and the benefit of playing in the sand you can see that ball Mark and as you mentioned they do

Rake the lines when they have a timeout back to the twos tied up at 21. sup Point USC USC has set point on both courts we look at the fours Jenna Johnson survey rasnik Pope nobody on beautiful shot USC takes set one at the force raznik Pope and Jenna Johnson incredible

First set Victory okay Brennan poking to tie it [Applause] is going to need to figure out how to score points with the wind at their back they’ve been keeping the ball mostly on Madison Shields yes they go back to her with their serve and this time Madison White’s gonna take the option

USC in system easy on to option ball because the first Contact is great in the back set right there opens things up for the on two good control by Maddie White Set point when women of Troy oh nice down the line of Madison White Street film USC feeling it they came out punching USC takes set one at the twos and the fours hi toss look at Maddie white redirect that ball down to the line and Perry Brennan Frozen for UCLA tons of spin

Moving away from the passer amazing jump serve down the line USC coming out aggressive from the start you saw it there with that serve two from Madison white they take the opening set at both courts foreign Welcome back to the beach I’m here with the mothers of the UCLA twos pair Abby Van Winkle and Perry Brennan and Kelly I’m going to start with you because Perry the last couple of Seasons wasn’t in the lineup what does it mean to you and your family for her have worked for

Her to have worked so hard for this opportunity it’s actually really surreal just to be in this beautiful beach her first time she’s so honored to play with such a great veteran of the sport here and her Abby’s last year so we couldn’t be happier well really proud well you

Mentioned it the veteran on the beach and for Lori that’s Abby Van Winkle the career wins leader at UCLA what does it mean for you as you watch her have one more opportunity to win a championship out here wow that would be pretty pretty ideal if she could bookend her career

With two national championships but for the most part just so proud of her and uh I knew I would but uh wearing that uniform and cannot representing he’s flying I’m so proud of her second generation after her mother yeah and you’ve had an incredible career as well

She has had one and ladies can we show the hats as well because you had to be in team spirit amazing what a special moment for both families and the pairs guys Drea that’s fantastic team Periwinkle the mom’s in full force and Lori Van Winkle in the blue dress won two national

Championships with the women’s indoor team at UCLA now you heard Laurie mention Abby bookending her career she clinched the national championship with Zana Muno in 2019 for UCLA I remember that well [Applause] but now this team’s backs are against the wall Madison Shields and Maddie white came out strong

It was a 24-22 win over Van Winkle and Brennan in set one the twos and the fours the only courts in action right now once they’re done we’ll play the one three and five pairs the difference in the first set Maddie White had three Aces and two blocks I

Mean those kind that’s five points that can add up to a lot and they cited out well [Applause] Shields is there to clean it up Shield’s trying to go high over that block of Van wingle Winkle too higher miscue offensively but Madison Shields making some really nice defensive moves

In the backcourt for USC again this pair for USC they were working at the threes they were playing so well Dane Bland decided to move them up he likes the physicality of freshman Maddie white at the net she is long and can affect the game yeah the movement on that ball Maddie

White was trying to get out of the way and it came back hitting her it looked like in the side of the head you see the spin and it’s coming back she’s trying to get out and it blows quicker than she thought I might have broke her glasses

Usually those lenses pop right back in just like that Holly yeah I didn’t know you’re going to provide commentary on how to fix sunglasses that’s happened once or twice to me not the ball hitting the side of my head but the lens is popping out gustavocha talking with Madison Shields

What a great mind and a staple of this USC coaching staff gustava hocha he has been part of the glue especially after losing six starters last year in the championship team and a rebuilding year rebuilding all the way to playing for a national championship again incredible yeah quick rebuild

Just long for Madison White Maddie white trying to cut that ball super Sharp and now then Winkle Brennan trying to open things up for UCLA poked over the block Brennan looking for the corner [Applause] I think long yeah long Miss Long UCLA making some defensive touches getting opportunities but that fall just

Hit long sent right back over on that first Contact UCLA trying to recover after a very tough serve the layout by Shields it’s going back over by white and Van Winkle a little too soft the hustle paying off for USC and that’s how you break momentum right you hustle and

Make things happen first of all Abby Van Winkle long arms stabbed that ball and then look at Madison Shields get up and under that ball sending it deep into the court UCLA gets an opportunity but that one’s short Madison Shields is getting everything on the sand right now [Applause]

And in the zone that one she’s got a nice little redirect down the line so whoever’s playing on the right side for UCLA needs to protect that side Madison White had a crush just crushed a serve to end the first set put it right in the corner pocket Van Winkle coming around [Applause] Shields stopped by Abby Van Winkle and that’s a big transition block for UCLA but if you’re USC you are touching so many balls defensively you’re giving yourself opportunities UCLA seemed to attack the attacking right at the USC defense blocker pulling Madison white long I

Think Madison Shields can get Maddie white tighter to the net so she can work and get on top of that ball okay yep how do I know that drops in for Maddie white Maddie white can hit extremes and UCLA needs to make some defensive adjustments I feel

Like they’re defending the middle of the Court Perry Brennan starts to move line and Abby Van Winkle’s not far enough into that angle to slow Maddie white down on her cross-court swing you know her partner Madison Shields told us Maddie white is an amazing athlete and

She is only a freshman just watching her over the last three days the tool kit that she has the knowledge of the game she has it’s above freshman level Dane Bland’s been talking about it all year long he thinks she’s going to be one of the greats of all time at USC

There have been some really great athletes Olympians come through USC [Applause] Point Bruins there is some contact under the net and Maddie White talking to the referee about that you’re not allowed to interfere with the play at the net in appears that’s what Manny White’s talking about here oh that’s dangerous Perry Brennan

Came under Maddie white was immediately said something but UCLA gets the point [Applause] short on the Poke by white USC now getting all the search are going to Maddie white it started with Madison Shields most teams serve Madison Shields every time so the adjustment in strategy this USC pair not as comfortable when

Maddie White’s getting all the serves UCLA is going to serve her once again almost too easy for Madison Shields right off her platform it’s incredible because all season long Perry Brenham from UCLA has done that to everybody and now Madison Shields already has two kills or bump kills for USC that are

Going down if you’re UCLA and that’s happened twice you put your track shoes on and you run that down in-game adjustment so important Brennan coming in guess who’s there Maddie white but it goes right back over Van Winkle Point USC opportunities for USC because they’re making it happen with their defense [Applause]

I mean this UCLA pair has never lost this season in USC is unafraid they’re just going for it they have not lost playing at the twos this season they’re 29-3 overall together but on this court nobody’s been able to take them down clarifying that time Perry Brennan

Number five in white sneak fit by Manny White [Applause] UCLA trying to force a third set USC trying to put a point on the board for the duel going to 21. down the line for Shields and Madison Shields moving are offense around running that back set that’s something she wasn’t doing yesterday but it’s been super effective for her so far [Applause]

Why not all right Brandon trying to turn it around that block of Madison White UCLA up by a point as we reach the technical timeout our Championship duel here at Gulf Shores Alabama two courts in action It’s a beautiful sight five courts here in Gulf Shores off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico number one seed history UCLA is our number one seed this year last year we saw USC come in as the number one seed they were won that Championship interesting to see how the top seed

Fares over the history of this tournament yeah but always in the final yeah so far Abby Van Winkle with the kill to go up 12-10 at the twos we’ll keep an eye on the twos but we will be looking at the fours now where rasnik Pope and Johnson won the first set 22-20

The courts in action right now will play ones threes and fives after these two finish for school to win at three courts wins the national championship Marley Monterey with the pulk Monterey this time looking for the back corner rasnik Pope is there a point UCLA that time Marlene monsoy

Jumped big into the angle because she had that one ball buzzed by her by Ashland rasnick Pope sharp angle from the right that one falls short meeting between these two programs in the last four Championship duels they are so familiar with this stage Youth in the whole Court we saw her with heat cross-court this time clearing the block but in systems starts with a good pass that’s why you want to attack from the surface line to set up your defense Elite teams when they’re in system they can find open sand Good opportunity for USC they take advantage tough serve from USC gets UCLA way off the net and that allows them to score in transition [Applause] USG took the opening set at both courts in action right now they have come out aggressive see it in their serve here

Time out at the four Stein Metzger working with this UCLA paradre yeah he is Courtney and he just told this pair in their last sit down he said listen they’re playing exceptionally well right now talking about USC’s Force he said and that’s okay he said we’ve been getting plenty of chances we will

Continue to have plenty of chances reminded them again to stay patient and it starts from the service line you have to serve more aggressive if you want to keep it on one particular player but attacking the middle shortfalls Tempo balls things to make USC uncomfortable that can play in to UCLA

Strengths defensively both head coaches on this court working with the fours you see Dame Blanton with Jenna Johnson and Ashlyn rasnick Pope not only are they being aggressive remember this is their fifth match together so it’s a younger pair too and they’re still finding success I feel like USC came in with the

Mindset hey let’s let it all hang out and just go aggressive because that’s how they’re playing Fearless from that Underdog position USC is Seeking a fifth NCAA title trying to three-peat they would be the first women’s sport at USC to three Pete if they could win a title here today

Off to a good start to go again want to let you know Sunday Night Baseball on the west coast tonight as the Dodgers wrap up their weekend Series against the Padres the Dodgers currently leave the series 2-0 Sunday Night Baseball between the Dodgers and the Padres tonight at 7 Eastern on ESPN

And the ESPN app foreign Contact for UCLA Jenna Johnson wants it right down the middle of the sand but Marley monster a tentative on that ball hit just a mid-speed shot that Jenna Johnson was able to control for USC [Applause] you see her get this big swing in transition just going for it in UCLA

Can’t get it back Jenna Johnson the Florida state transfer this is her fourth NCAA appearance but just the second time she’s actually played to that back line goes Monterey and that’s a big swing UCLA again they are backs again so all they have to win the set to stay alive in this match

USC took the opening set at both pairs in action right now switching to the better side little bit of wind in their face and that can help Marley Monterey get USC in trouble from the service line if she’s aggressive enough okay Johnson right in the middle nobody on for Monterey Monterey pulls Johnson goes at her UCLA that time had an opportunity but Monterey couldn’t get her feet to the ball to attack it with any power and USC responds and takes care of it [Applause] he saw both blockers in that rally

Making the decision to pull such a tough skill to master it is it’s it’s I work identifying where the set is going and the speed of the approach of the attacker if someone comes in soft you want to pull off the net because most likely it’s going to be a shot

Monterey wants a touch she will not get it USC pulling away Smith talking to her partner they do not have a timeout left [Applause] 21. Rastic Pope got it up and kept it alive they dug it out of the net Monterey poke stopped by Monterey this time rasnick pole going over so smart USC is everywhere Ashland raznick’s Pope had some really nice digs she reads this little poke not surprised there runs it

Down gets blocked but then the cover play allowing them to get another swing at the net [Applause] going over on two UCLA rasmic pulp wow guess who’s in the zone yes Ashland raznik Pope is reading this game to Perfection and then you heard the big run at the end she killed that

Ball Cross Court exclamation point on that one USC two points away from the first point on the board in the duel you need three points to win Johnson Monterey a more aggressive swing she goes over taking the option Match Point USC everything going USC’s way and they’re making things happen they are making plays there are a couple opportunities where I would have loved to see Marley Monterey set Jesse Smith in that rally she tries to run this ball down but

Can’t Jenna Johnson will serve for the match at the force Jesse Smith clocks touched by Johnson’s second match point coming up for USC USC touching everything even though they didn’t get it up they’re touching it that’s a good sign it’s been the story this whole match raznik Polk with the poke

USC leads the duel by a point if I’m playing somebody who’s in the zone I keep the ball off of them and UCLA with right at Ashland raznick Pope rainbow deep poke over Jesse Smith and USC’s four score the first point what a great performance from Jenna Johnson and Ashlyn rasnick Pope you

Couldn’t get anything by raznik Pope she was all over the sand so USC leads the duel one nothing you need three points to win back to the twos this is the only other court in action USC won the first set 24-22 and right now Van Winkle and

Brennan of UCLA up by a point going to 21. I’ll redo the surf here [Applause] right now UCLA on the side with wind at their back makes it hard to be too aggressive from the service line now that ball will carry ah [Applause] go es back over the tape were tied at 19. the hustle continues for Madison Shields

Van Winkle with a block but the response back set Van Winkle block Maddie white stabs it and then Van Winkle couldn’t get her feet under her and then Madison shields for USC bump kill off the tape set point UCLA trying to force a third set [Applause] [Applause] up

Then comes Madison white it’s in tied at 20. gotta win by two we’ve seen that play a lot if they serve it too easy to Madison Shields they have that option ball to Maddie white and she’s hit that angle several times option meaning she goes over on the second contact

Killer serve comes right back to USC Maddie white is blocked by Van Winkle that was a timely block for the Bruins to keep them alive started from the service line passed over because Maddie white just crushed that serve and then Van Winkle defensive save at the net for UCLA second set point UCLA

Daddy that’s in white with the Pope tied at 21. USC feeling it they will switch sides you sell it going to the better side but USC will have to serve I saw a close first that we’re getting the same here in set number two UCLA has had two set points

USC has not had a match point yet there you see team periwinkle’s moms watching it’s got to be so hard as a parent intense moments right now in sport [Applause] Mary Brennan Acro third set point UCLA Big Time side out by Perry Brennan right there [Applause] UCLA can be aggressive from the service

Line they’ve got set point they’ve got the wind in their face ball will tend to blow tighter to the net where Van Winkle can have an effect as a Defender Sheriff Madison white tracking it down nobody on up comes Van Winkle sealed it we’re going to a set three

Van Winkle aggressive serve that’s what sets up the defense ball comes over Abby Van Winkle gets a transition swing in right down the middle to push it [Applause] mom’s loving it Abby Van Winkle Perry Brennan keeping UCLA alive at the twos we play a third set when we come back to

Gulf Shores USC leading our Championship duel one nothing Thank you High Level Volleyball to start our national championship UCLA and USC Courtney Lyle Holly mcpeek and Andrea Carter with you USC has a point on the board the first point coming from the fours the twos are the only ones in action at the moment and Abby Van Winkle and Perry Brennan of

UCLA just forced a third set and it’s been extra points in the first and second set in favor of USC in the first and then UCLA responds 23-21 in that second set now one set to 15. Holly we’re just talking in the break the turnaround for

USC from a week ago in pac-12s how do they how do they look different they look confident they look aggressive um just in terms of scouting report it seems like they’re one step ahead of UCLA in terms of knowing where the ball is going third set we played at 15 points they

Will switch sides every five points and Winkle chasing it it’ll be a point for USC to start UCLA had the Dig but could not get a swing out of it holds now she has been everywhere for USC the transfer from Pepperdine Brennan gets it over the block tied at

One Terry Brennan finding her Rhythm as a side out player usually she is tough to stop but USC has been able to affect her defensively Madison white will take the swing she loves going down the line Draya what are you hearing on this court yeah Courtney just listened in to Gustavo shot to his USC pair and he actually told Madison white he said they’re going Line to Line serve on you so get ready to get up and

Hit the ball he said don’t be tentative against Van Winkle at the net wanted her to be aggressive and then he finished with breathe believe and battle this is where we want to be we have certainly battled here on this court in Madison Shields reads it and then

Maddie white long arm pokes it to the back line for the USC point [Applause] is she up by two now [Applause] bro Madison Shields all over that shot and look at the battle at the net Abby Van Winkle in good redirect on Two And USC will switch to the good side up

By one switching sides every five points hey her Draya say it pushing Madison white don’t be afraid of Abby Van Winkle’s Block it’s a big one well Maddie White’s been able to go outside the block of Ave Van Winkle wrinkled in that line so Abby Van Winkle

Needs to make a little bit of an adjust and make her go over not outside we’ve seen white play some really pretty shots yeah Shield’s going over the block great Hang Time and chop crossbody down the line Perry Brennan was waiting in the angle [Applause] foreign [Applause]

Shields tearing it up on the beach actually grew up playing ice hockey what a transformation swing and the point for Perry Brennan Perry Brennan on the right size looks like she’s playing Hawaiian style going straight across the net trying to put herself in good positions to side out [Applause]

Do you like that play for her I do I do I think it helps playing with the wind using it to your advantage Perry Brennan on the move there but stopped short and that ball drops again Madison Shields with the bump over USC has placed so many shots right up

Next to that line the defense is still setting up and that’s why that play works but if you’re Perry Brennan you can’t stop you need to run through every ball grazing the tape no chance to stop that serve Maddie white creating points from the back line she is just going for it that

One clipped the tape and dropped dug up [Applause] Brennan nobody on and she swings into the net it’s seven to three Madison Shields great digs and then UCLA is missing opportunities they’re not getting a good transition set and they can’t attack back [Applause] it’s the first to 15. USC leading the duel one nothing and they’ll take a timeout Danny Johnson Jordan Will calm then down get them focused tell them the little details that they need to pay attention to like not stopping on balls you have to run through every ball

I mean you do not have a choice this is the last set of the season here thank you so they take a pause here this USC team trying to make another piece of History this year you look at past champions well you’re gonna see a couple of names

A lot of times USC won the first two NCAA titles in 2016 and 2017 and it was UCLA’s turn they won their first one in 2018 liked it so much they did it again in 2019 and the past two years it has gone back to the women of Troy being the

Best on the beach so USC and UCLA the only two programs to win NCAA titles USC also has an ABCA title in 2015. and you see back when it was ABC a Pepperdine Long Beach State able to Win It part of the growth of the sport of beach volleyball interesting because this year

We had 17 teams for the first time it will single elimination for the first time we thought could we have new faces in this Championship duel but here are you USC and UCLA again it’s incredible coming into this tournament we thought there were would be upsets for sure in

The top four seeds held true this is a third meeting between these two pro programs in the last four Championship Duels for USC it’s their sixth appearance in the final before the parents for UCLA [Applause] Shields and white ahead seven to three they need 15 points to win on this court [Applause]

Brennan cuts it open net cut shot from the left side for Perry Brennan good pass forward and then Abby Van Winkle pushes her up to the net the late pull by Maddie white that has been working but not on the last play but a service error stops any momentum

UCLA might have had coming out of that timeout [Applause] Brennan this time over the defender over the blocker Madison white Perry Brennan using the whole car we saw the cut shot on the last play this time Maddie white who was long she is putting up a line

Block forcing the player to go up and over her Perry Brennan is able to do that my life Shields goes at Van Winkle who was pulling [Applause] pretty shot from Madison White well the thing that worked there is Maddie white got her feet around that ball looked like she was going to hit

Angle and then just redirects it down the line and that freezes the defender in the backcourt Just a reminder because watching her you’ll forget Madison white is a freshman plays much older oh Shields almost had a chance at that one it’ll be a point for UCLA Maddie white pulled off the net little overhand reaction dig but USC could come up with it All Eyes watching this court were

Playing in flights today the fours have already finished that point going to USC thanks to rasnick Pope and Johnson as soon as we finish here at the twos about 12 minutes later the ones threes and fives will take to the sand and all courts count equally you just need to

Land on three courts to win the national championship Bye crushed it Maddie White Maddie White’s just feeling it really nice set by Madison Shields putting her tighter to the net because she is so long jumps well look at the rain she is way up high on this one and just crushes it outside of Abby Van Winkle looked

Like they were doubled up in her ankle that’s her grazing the tape he still lay handles it they do get a swing off income Shields down that line Perry Brennan went for it [Applause] off of the blocker Madison Shields digging that ball that first Contact and then attack attack

Attack USC getting tons of opportunities and I feel like UCLA’s playing behind in the points they haven’t been able to get a good aggressive swings at the net and I feel like USC’s confidence is just growing every point I agree Four points away [Applause] right when it hustles to get there Abby Van Winkle finishes fall past tight to the net there’s almost some contact under the net [Applause] this is go time if you’re UCLA you need to go on a scoring run [Applause] it sails on Maddie white Point Bruins [Applause] ah [Applause]

Somebody I think called the touch on the Block [Applause] the referee is telling Abby Van Winkle that the linesman called the touch on the Block so that would result in the point for USC dog come on we don’t have any kind of review system or anything that would be able to look

At to overturn that call [Applause] it appeared that it went outside the right hand of Abby Van Winkle tough to see and we will switch sides UCLA go into the better side with a chance to serve and play some defense but they’re going to have to put some

Pressure on USC from the service line and they need to do it quickly just going to 15 points here in set number three [Applause] Incredible hand contact Maddie White’s just feeling it that time cuts it in front of the defender Perry Brennan was that a tough enough Serve by UCLA probably not USC needs two points up and over and Abby Van Winkle eats it up but again Madison Shields there digging it that’s an opportunity usually balls

Are hitting open sand when UCLA is siding out but Madison Shields everywhere for USC Easy Shot for Madison white Match Point USC [Applause] and Maddie white who’s been dangerous from the service line all match long is on the back line she ended the first set with an ace to the corner

Going short this time Harry Brennan trying to extend it white lays out for it Van Winkle dug by Shields and down USC leads the duel two nothing what an incredible performance to hand Abby Van Winkle and Perry Brennan their first loss of the Season at the twos for

UCLA Maddie white and Maddie shields were everywhere well USC has come out and set a tone here being aggressive that hunt for a three-peat is on the ones threes and fives coming up next from here at Gulf Shores Alabama back in the national championship duel UCLA and USC

The women of Troy leading the overall duel right now two nothing UCLA will have to win on all three of these courts in order to come back and win the national championship Draya how is Stein Metzger feeling right now well Courtney the first thing he said

When he talked to me was hats off to USC you’ve got to give it to him they came ready to play he spent most of that last flight with the force he felt like they let USC get back in it and then they lost confidence and that cannot happen

He said what Holly said earlier our backs are against the wall it is going to be really tough he said but it’s doable and we have enough talent to get it done everything up for grabs USC leading the duel 2-0 they just need to win on one of

These courts to three Pete as national champions we start at the ones magcraft Delaney Mabel for USC facing Lexi dinnerberg and Maggie Boyd and if you’re USC the pressure’s a little bit off right you only have to win on one of three courts a different feeling but you also want to

Go seize that opportunity in Delaney Maple and may craft at the ones for USC or something special yeah this is the Pac-12 pair of the year and ABCA Top Flight Award winner that drops in for UCLA Maggie Boyd The Freshman number 12 in white for UCLA able to find open sand

Aggressive swing for her Alexi denenberg picked up her 99th career win yesterday against Florida State she is back to serve for UCLA dinnerberg and Boyd both first team all-americans along with craft and Maple metcraft there comes the swing that crafts down the line she’s hoping to qualify for the Olympics coming up in

UCLA trying out May craft most teams serve Delaney Maple in USC and always in a good rhythm with that combination a lot of teams try and go at Megan Kraft now at least lately to try and get them out of rhythm how has she been handling

It pretty well I mean they can sometimes score a point or two but she hits with a lot of range and she’s got every shot as well so playing took 21 again you have to win by two you see Maggie Boyd a freshman playing at the one Stein Metzger told us the

Team a little unsure of the first of the year okay what’s the Freshman doing up at the ones but hey she has proved that she earned that spot we’ll get her layout for that ball getting it up so dinnerberg can swing and then Lexie dinnerberg a wall at the net

Two big defensive plays for UCLA started with the retreat look at the overhand stab and then Maggie boy the wheels to get that ball Delaney Maple coming into the middle of the court in Lexi deneberg huge block move the ace for UCLA keep in mind too a week

Ago at pac-12’s Maggie Boyd she was not able to finish the Pac-12 tournament banged up a little bit some management issues only able to play about once a day so this has been good for her this style this format of the tournament and she’s got a big arm from the service

Line if you’re going to beat this team of crafted Maple you need to attack from the service line both she and Lexi deneberg are able to put some pressure on with the Top Spin jump serve switch sides every seven points that’s the only time other than a timeout that the

Coaches can talk to their pair on the sand [Applause] boy trying to challenge Meg craft she got a hand on it hooked back over by maple heavy heavy arm Lexi dinnerberg USC pair complaining about the handset from UCLA how’s the handset got to be on the Beach

Compared to the indoor side well it’s a longer hold but you can’t drop the ball too low and hold it for too long so there’s a fine line between what you can and can’t do the block of Denver forcing Maple to hit that ball a little bit wide [Applause] so point for UCLA

Lexi deneberg will send it over she’s been at the ones most of her career played with Savvy simmo in 2021 and then Abby Van Winkle last season that pass gets away from Meg Kraft Lexi Denver kind of attacking the middle of the Court she has to serve and run to the net Here Comes craft got it Point USC I would have loved to see Lexi danenberg pull from the net because that set was so far off the net you want to help your partner Maggie Boyd in the backcourt with the handset to Boyd [Applause] Delaney Maple trying to twirl it

A little bit of nerves for USC to start Delaney Maple hitting a couple balls out and she rarely does that short serve a little too short for Maggie Boyd look like she was going for the short serve on Delaney maple yeah Maggie Boyd the Pac-12 freshman of the year a Texas native

Always had a dream of playing at UCLA though and how she is at the ones for a national championship stopped by medcraft big block move by makecraft blocking that cross body Lexi denenberg trying to move the blocker into the middle of the court and it doesn’t work there first look at the threes

Andre Norse Nicole Norris facing Haley halgren and Riley powers just their second meeting these two Duos they didn’t finish their match at the Pac-12 tournament last week halgren doesn’t need to tip it it goes right over and drops in the sand well USC was scrambling and they weren’t in the

Positions they wanted to be they were trying to just get up and that ball drops over the Norse twins have clinched two Duels for USC this weekend the Georgia State won to open on Friday and then yesterday in the quarters against lnu it came down to the threes both times

And for USC that’s great if you’ve got veterans who’ve been here before who can score for you because they’ve handled the pressure in the past yeah Holly I know you’ve worked at the Norse twins a lot what stands out about their game well they’re just so technically sound

When they’re on doing the things that they’re able to do they can put a ton of pressure on their opponents that time Haley halgren Big Time swing Cross Court eight and one in their careers at the NCAA championships their third appearance their first their freshman year was the covid season so they’ve got

One more to play for the women of Troy there’s a nice swing from Nicole Noor she’s the Lefty and you see how technically sound they are both of them have beautiful hands for hand setting and they’re both capable of blocking and playing defense [Applause] Riley Powers with some pop

Oh the hustle from Audrey good opportunity here for UCLA Haley halgren going at the pulling blocker Haley halgren great identification of open net and hitting that just deep enough over the head of the retreating blocker caulkner empowers 30 and three as a pair this season ABCA Top Flight Award winner that was at

The fours they have since moved up the threes and we told you Haley halgren’s Story coming back from cancer to play for UCLA beach volleyball I thought that ball blew tight to the net and then halgren had the advantage but Audrey Norse able to get that ball across Court technical timeout is we’ve

As we’ve reached 21 total points on this court they’ll take a seat we’ll step aside the national championship continues in a moment Three courts in action as we look to Crown a national champion Holly you want to go on a trip with me I’d love to this is the threes right now courtesy of our drones flying over the playing surfaces the ones playing right in the middle you see the scores Denver and Boyd leading

Craft and Maple 13-8 they’re getting up but we want to Zone in on the fives right now Jaden whitmarsh Devin Newberry for UCLA taking on Olivia bakos and Gabby Walker to Walker up by a point here in the first set and this is where for USC yesterday in the semifinals it came down

To bacos and Walker this pair grew up under pressure were able to perform and score that all in point important dual point to clinch it this is a very experienced Brewing team Jane whitmarsh and Devin Newberry they played twos last year for UCLA finally back together again Devin Newberry number 13 in white

Had shoulder surgery wasn’t sure if she would even come back at all this season but she has and now they are 10-0 as a Duo on the year playing at the fives attacking error by Whit Marsh missed opportunity for the Bruins there to dig it but just didn’t get the set she needed

[Applause] to clear the tape 10-0 record these two clinched the Pac-12 title for UCLA their first match of the Season together was April 15th wasn’t that long ago and there’s a point for the Bruins Vegas there that one just gets away from her and now all tied up watching this UCLA Duo what makes them a good partnership

Well one they love one another they can’t have mystery is there they are comfortable with the Rhythm that each other plays they’re very familiar with strengths and they’re great at communication the swing in the Kill from Olivia bakos that was the ball I thought would go newberry’s way because it was so tight

But bacos able to swing out of trouble for USC 13 and 9 together are bakos and Gabby Walker no win bigger than the one yesterday that serve carried off to the left by Walker and you can see the trees in the background wind has picked up

If your USC is flowing into your face that allows you to be a little bit more aggressive you call that the good side it’s fine fako’s trying to challenge Devin Newberry again Whit Marsh is there poke shot Jaden Whitmer she saw nobody was at the net and there’s the

Transition point that UCLA needs to execute see the cover play Baker puts herself in a good position to cover and cut shot Whit Marsh slides under it and drops a little cut shot into the angle 2020 season Stein Metzger had a really deep conversation with Jaden whitmarsh

We need you to overhaul your offense and guess what three years later it is paying off there’s a huge stop from Devin Newberry and they switch sides and that is one of the strengths of Devin newberry’s game she’s got really long arms but reads the offense well at the

Net impresses in the right area to score that point okay hold on now UCLA switching to the better side wind in their face the four call for Olivia bakos that’s what UCLA wants to run defensively but they won’t get a chance to do that with the Miss serve service error by whitmarsh [Applause]

There’s Olivia bakos a junior out of Manhattan Beach California grew up around the sport had no choice but to play beach volleyball Rico snowbody on Down the Line she goes Devin Newberry cleans it up then a little Thunder from Devin Newberry Devin Newberry able to accelerate her

Arm in the off season had that shoulder surgery it is getting the pace back that one she gets on top of for UCLA you’ve got to see her in the process of coming back she’s worked on her left hand some too she can attack very well with her left

Hand that makes her even more dangerous as an ambidextrous hitter but their right hand sometimes the ball comes on the other side of your body and you want to be able to use that left hand when you’re a blocker no [Applause] Because it was tied to the net Devin Newberry waiting on it she’s fired up too that is one of her best skills on the court that press over the net ceiling anytime it’s tight you see those hands just seal that net Olivia bakko slot Newberry hit the net

Quick wipe of the glasses for Jim whitmarsh again if you’re just joining us USC one at the twos and fours they need one more Court win to win the national championship UCLA has to win on all three of the courts in action right now long momentum all for the Bruins [Applause]

A little frustration creeping in on the USC side of the net Pecos chasing after it [Applause] baco’s going right over the block good decision there poking that ball line over the block and Olivia bakos will get a shot at the back line probably the brightest day we’ve had the

Three days we’ve been here playing in Gulf Shores Draya mentioned the temperature hotter than it has been De Factor two not as crazy as it was Friday when we had lightning storms and all kinds of weather Hope by whitmarsh Walker that ball put right on top of the net but what a dig by Walker Bruins saying that Walker was over the

Net on the Poke as soon as it clears the plane of the net she’s able to attack it so they switch sides as they do every seven points checking in on the threes the Norse twins need two points to take the opening set this is Haley halgren

Got the line grabbed a big piece of it Audrey Norse Audrey Norris attacking the small part of the Court most players like to go the other way but USC encourages them to attack that small part set point USC Powers poking second set point coming for USC [Applause] oh Nicole on the attack just wide third set point USC that ball set a little bit wide to Nicole Morse the Lefty and anytime it passes your shoulder it’s hard to be accurate with that contact Newberry and whitmarsh have set point at the fives and the Norse twins will take set one at

The threes again USC needs a win on one Court in order to win the national championship [Applause] but Marsh going after Gabby Walker who was pulling UCLA 21-18 set one win at the fives back to the ones Lexi dinnerberg Maggie Boyd getting close to an opening said Victory too that one was touch Point USC [Applause] it’s USC pair just two losses on the season the second one coming yesterday

In the semifinals to TCU 27 wins for this USC pair boy taking the option set point UCLA Maggie boy did a good job disguising it looking like she was going to hand set that ball Oh and that was the set that’s a good first set win for UCLA yeah I apologize score updating slowly so it is a good set one win 21 17 for UCLA USC leading our Championship duel two nothing foreign twos have already finished up we want to

Take you back to the twos Madison white just bombing serves this pair came out aggressive they certainly did and Maddie White had aces blocks and was on fire with her partner Madison Shields they did everything right in this matchup they went to a third set but that was the

Second point on the board for USC Madison Shields and Madison white and Madison’s White’s mom is standing by with Draya thank you Courtney I’m here with Mrs Jocelyn and Jocelyn as you’re watching Madison compete in the championship match how would you describe the feeling oh gosh nervous I was very nervous happy

For her uh but more than anything I’m just proud and grateful she came onto this team and she was kind of the underdog she wasn’t the biggest recruit and she just wanted to try to break into the travel team or maybe the fives or

Sixes so Dean and Gus I gotta hand it to them they saw something in her and they kept moving her up the lineup and just beyond grateful and proud well you said she wasn’t the biggest recruit but she has made some big time plays why USC for Madison

Well uh Maddie’s a bit of a bookworm and she wanted the balance of an academic school she’s in a marshall School of Business so she wanted to be on a championship team and Marshall so that was uh that’s all she wanted she had offers at other schools but she wanted

To be here she wanted to be in the Big Show and competing and then she wanted her degree to really mean something too well a student athlete for sure and we have little brother Alex here as well Alex how’s your big sister do oh she did great I’m really proud of her

Um I expected her to do great but not this great and I’m just very proud of her spoken like a true little brother congratulations thank you love it love to see Andrea so three cards courts are in action and Madison white and Madison Shields did clinch a

Point for USC they lead the duel to nothing UCLA has to win on all three remaining courts USC just needs to win on one Court they took the first set at the threes the Norse Twins winning 21-18 so we checked back in on the

Threes now a win in this set for USC and they win the National Championship in Haley halgren facing her former teammates Andre and Nicole Norris at the threes and Haley halgren a part of that 2021 National Championship winning team at USC now playing for UCLA and a service error by Audrey Norris

Stein Metzger calls Riley Powers the Big Game Hunter the bigger the match the better she plays well this is absolutely a big match the biggest one of the Season Riley Powers with a nice save but it’s going to be a point for USC [Applause] that violation called on blocker Haley

Halgren for UCLA but Riley Powers was there defensively okay [Applause] [Applause] Nicole Norse Ace Nicole Norris aggressive from the service line and when you’re a left-handed player serving from that left part of the Court the ball just moves differently nobody on for Riley Powers tagging the back line [Applause] deep middle always a good swing power’s playing at the fours last season in this

Tournament with Marley Monterey now teaming up with Haley halgren but you mentioned the big moments for Riley Powers she clinched the Pac-12 championship in 2021 and clinched a loser’s bracket win at ncaas here in 2021 she’s felt the pressure before Nicole Norse ripping that ball the UCLA pair pulling off the net to

Play defense in USC staying aggressive Nicole Norse to the sand Audrey Nicole Norse taking care of that free ball opportunity Nicole Norris the Lefty was on the left side of the court that time deed middle whenever you talk we’ll take a look at this UCLA pairs record in the tournament the first three

Rounds they’ve gone 9-0 today 0-2 losing at the fours and twos yeah I feel like QSC just came out in in shocked UCLA and their mindset was right their Scouting Report was on point we’re making it off the block yeah Riley Powers getting up aggressive from the left side there for UCLA

This is a pair when they roll when they’re playing their best they are making points defensively good blocking by hallgren and then Riley powers in the backboard in transition Nice Shot crafty by Nicole Norris using that left hand [Applause] Powers good deep attack she was off the

Net but went deep into the win [Applause] got a dangerous topspin serve that that like that down the middle she’s got the wind in her face that allows her to be a little bit more aggressive and just let it fly off of her hand get the spin Riley Powers happy about it [Applause]

It’s time long UCLA arguing that it was touched but it’s going to be a point for the Norse twins [Applause] we talk about the Norse twins work ethic comes up they are such hard workers and it’s allowed them to have a spot on the court and all their Seasons playing Beach at USC

That time Riley Powers High cross over the block yes both are great students at USC and they will be in grad school at USC next year together Thanks for Nicole touched by hallgren Audrey pokes powers one point game [Applause] UCLA trying to create that energy they need it USC just needs to win on one more Court to win a title Looking at the scores right now USC leading the duel two nothing they need to win on one Court to win a title UCLA must win on the three remaining courts in order to win their third National Championship we take you to the threes everybody the Norse Twins won the first set

Now down a point or two points after that one Paul grin and Powers up 14-12 and USC takes the timeout in transition Nicole Norse trying to go cut shot it’s open but that ball goes wide so while they pause we will get you to the fives right now whitmarsh and

Newberry of UCLA one set one and now they’re up here in set two 12-9 service error by Gabby Walker [Applause] you can hear Jane whitmarsh fired up screaming he’s sailing knows how important this matches and comes Olivia bakos with a big swing and a point I felt going inside the left hand of

Devin Newberry the Blocker on that one I’m guessing she’ll make an adjustment next time she’s that kind of a blocker recognizing her hitter’s tendencies Hey Barry will get the swing pulling it toward the sideline successfully USC trying out Devin Newberry a little bit and serve receive [Applause] d

Blocking signals from Devin Newberry but another Miss serve for UCLA this pair before last season before 2022 they went to Stein Metzger and said hey give us one practice together let’s just try it out we would love to play together it has worked out pretty well for them their chemistry is fantastic

Dayton whitmarsh offensively she looks so much more comfortable playing with Devin Newberry just knowing that rhythm of Jaden whitmarsh’s approach and where she likes her set Devin Newberry knows exactly where to put it and watching Devin Newberry coming back from the shoulder surgery she looks like she’s moving and Swinging pretty well out

There well she’s been doing a lot of movement in the sand it’s just getting that swing back with her right hand [Applause] 21 you have to win by two hitting down into that block going out of bounds but staying aggressive for UCLA watch her hit down in the block presses

A little bit late from Gabby Walker of SC ale Gabby Walker The Freshman on a Flower Mound Texas actually facing uh one of her high school teammates that she used to play with she played with Maggie Boyd who plays at the ones for UCLA yes she Gabby Walker and Maggie Boyd

Were the best Juniors team in the country on a mad sand volleyball from Texas they won every big Junior event for the last two years before coming to college and interesting now they’re rivals one for USC one for UCLA yeah I wonder if they did that on purpose yeah

In different schools but here they are facing off for a national championship on different courts right but still yeah this USC pair trailing by three right right Baker’s coming nobody on and she went after Devin Newberry that time Jaden whitmarsh a little bit tentative and Olivia bakos is the Speedy

Defender gotta be careful to hit your shots quickly to avoid her in the backboard attacking error by Bako 17-14 UCLA great dig Olivia Baker’s just a little bit early with her feet and was on the way down attacking that ball I am short serve handled by Walker

Going up to challenge the block she does Gabby Walker hits with so much range from the right side she’s a little bit unorthodox but her chop from the right side cross body is so tough to read and the blocker can’t gather get there the defender was running line she couldn’t even read it

[Applause] whitmarsh sends USC scrambling how to get it over they do [Applause] Newberry pools whitmarsh is there USC benefiting big point there Scramble Play in that free ball pass got away from UCLA and now USC just down by one USC uscla calling a timeout we look in

On the threes right now halgren and Powers trying to force a third set if they don’t then USC is going to win the national championship [Applause] Halgren Nicole Norse [Applause] wide [Applause] big aggressive swing trying to find open sand just a little bit wide on the execution Pilgrim power’s feeling it a two-point lead now for UCLA Apple threes looking for a third set Haley halgren with that pick serve is going to step back

Riley Powers shuts it down set point UCLA that ball set a little bit too tight to the net and Riley Powers goes up and attacks at the net you see the movement of the ball towards the net that’s Advantage blocker thank you [Applause] Audrey second set point UCLA

It’s interesting because UCLA had just scored off Nicole Norse and then they went back to Audrey [Applause] [Applause] Easy Shot Andre Norse coming in hits it at powers third set point coming for UCLA CLA they are touching balls good Hustle by Hogan to try and keep it alive [Applause]

UCLA needs to stay aggressive that time halgren a little bit tentative and UCLA is going to call a timeout this will be set point number three while they do that we want to get you over to the fives Newberry and whitmarsh up by a point in set two [Applause] pressure was on coming in to this flight on UCLA they knew coming in they had to win in all three courts Corner good fast tempo set to Jaden whitmarsh it’s so low and quick that it’s hard for the defender to get back some point at the ones Denver and Boyd

Match point at the ones UCLA point on the board wow we said at the top of the show ones were Advantage USC not this time UCLA gets a point there there first and here’s match point at the fives that ball tags a line Olivia Bako scores the 18th point

Second match point coming for UCLA this would tie the duel come on wait Marsh a cannon but a bit long to the threes now UCLA has a third set point at the threes Paul grin we will have a third shot at the threes UCLA Staying Alive back to the fives Match Point UCLA

Powers they’re waiting for confirmation it looks like they’re asking the referee to get down and check the ball Mark Bruins confident they think it was wide they’ll go take a look at it this to tie the duel we are tied [Applause] could this get any better

Two rifles a tied score it all comes down to the threes for a national championship it all comes down to court number three One of the biggest rivalries in this sport USC has won the last two national titles Collision on the coast with the only two national champions as a rivalry makes its way back to the title game UCLA looking to get back on top The PowerHouse USC looking for three people Toy Stakes high drama building on the beach competition fears [Applause] Pressure Goosebumps all the feels it comes down to one Court our duel is tied the threes will decide who is our national champion [Applause] wins after trailing O2 in a duel in NCAA tournament history it’s only happened three times we saw it earlier in this year’s tournament

UCLA entered this flight down 0-2 but right now it’s about this third set we play to 15 points Nicole Norris coming in with the Lefty shot UCLA keeping the ball on Nicole Norse most teams all season long go to Audrey Norris but switching up strategies everyone has made their way over to

Watch the threes all right underneath it for powers [Applause] halgren tags it yes Riley Powers puts her partner Haley Hogan right on top of the net deep Cross Court kill [Applause] Ed Nicole Norris Nice Shot sharp angle Nicole Norris gets on top of that for USC Homer and they’re just couldn’t get under it going to 15 here in set three they will switch sides every five points [Applause] To serve off the block out of bounds USC point good dig and then push to the net halgren there but off her left hand out of bounds probably with the pressure building how do you manage the mental side of the game right now it’s just being present

In the moment not being afraid and staying aggressive but it’s one play at a time you can’t think about anything else USC trying to 3p UCLA looking for its third overall NCAA title [Applause] powers in we talked about her being the Big Game Hunter that’s what Stein Metzger calls

Her this team had great chemistry from the start they’ve been struggling a little bit lately for UCLA but he used to call them lightning in a bottle just the chemistry them together on the court 30 wins on the season for this UCLA pair that goes over hulgren’s block by Nicole Norse [Applause]

Thank you Powers pokes Audrey’s there Haley halgren facing her old team a team she won a national title with team fist bump for UCLA you see the celebration missed opportunity for SC off the dig hallgren in transition little shop over the line block Four Seasons with USC two seasons indoor

At Michigan and now with UCLA long on the surf by an inch yes if that helgren had an ace earlier down the middle That time in for Riley power she’s showing off her offense deep using the entire court we’ve seen her go short deep angle line mixing it up starts with a good pass UCLA likes to stay in system and then away from the defender Cross Court [Applause] all four players playing on this court

Multiple NCAA tournament appearances three for everyone four for Haley halgren [Applause] Audrey with the bump set to Nicole down the line she goes that time Nicole Norris worked hard for her approach selling her body in the Cross Court that’s what holds the defender beautiful turned down the line [Applause] it looked like Riley Powers was gonna

Drop a short shot over the block I think that’s what Nicole Norse thought as well but she goes deep that’s one of the deceiving things about the Pokey it’s directional and you can hit any of the different shots here we go in comes Nicole right in between the two UCLA players

Right down the middle and neither team is serving the ball that topic you’re right that’s going to differentiate we saw Haley halgren go for it and miss long but I think that’s going to be the difference at the end of the set can you serve tough and get your opponent out of system

[Applause] Powers wanting it she’s not going to get the call 8-6 USC we are going to 15. [Applause] oh it’s interesting blocker pulled her left hand down and that’s where Riley Powers was attacking just just wide it has been close all the way to this point

We’ve gone back and forth and now the Norse twins with a two-point advantage [Applause] Powers will try again after taking it placing it on the line defensive deflection and then Audrey Norris redirects this ball you see the touch so she has to go but it’s a hand

Contact that drops that ball in the court away from the defender that’s perfect Audrey and Nicole they wanted to find a place to play high level beach volleyball together they had the same major they’re going to get the same Masters program and now they’re trying to get their team a third straight

Championship UCLA seeking its third overall title the first to 15 decides it oh what a layout by Nicole Norse and then an attacking air Point Bruins great dig full extension she was going aggressive but falls short [Applause] [Applause] Audrey with the poke USC the first to ten five points away from a national championship Audrey North handles that pass comes to the middle of the Court sees the angle blocking just a nice soft touch over the block [Applause] Powers brought some fire behind that swing it’s go time for UCLA yeah UCLA needs to create some point scoring opportunities with their defense right now Audrey and Nicole Moore

Signing out really well for USC [Applause] [Applause] service error [Applause] thank you [Applause] power’s getting after it looking good again taking big swings in her side out game we will switch sides USC watch Riley Powers right here crossbody down that line Defender there but can’t come up with it

You’ll see going to the better side a little bit of a wind advantage in their face you see everybody crowding around all they can do is watch and support we played in flights today after flight number one USC led the duel two nothing UCLA came back to win at the ones and

The fives and now it comes down to the threes 12 to 9 women of Troy [Applause] again well then coming after it going off speed getting around the block of Nicole Norse little short roll shot drops USC been testing both players Riley Powers has been getting a lot of serves this time they go at Hall ground The easy swing by Audrey Haley halgren down the line the hustle to get there now the swing from Andre Norse halgren the mishitch [Applause] the hustle after Audrey Norris hit a shot she didn’t like she said I’m gonna make up for it right now hustle play makes it

Over the net and then UCLA with an unforced error USC two points away pause here chance to reset here Holly for both of these teams if you’re UCLA what are you focusing on well at one play at a time USC’s on the back line you need to pass

And you need to be aggressive if you get a chance at the net to find open sand so taking care of that first Contact staying in system if you’re UCLA then you start thinking about how you’re going to score points with your defense what’s been working for the Norse twins

In USC they’ve been so steady uh they’re sighting out at a high clip they’re passing well and some unforced Errors By UCLA has been the difference this is the third meeting between these two programs in our last four Championship duels no other programs beside UCLA and USC have one NCAA beach volleyball titles

It’s all decided here at the threes a race to 15 points [Applause] USC trying to three-peat UCLA looking for its third overall national championship we’ll know in a few moments thank you [Applause] Nicole North serving [Applause] powers bringing that hammer down and that’s the play UCLA needed staying in system good pass set aggressive swing now they need to make something happen with their defense and that starts with a good serve getting Audrey and Nicole Norris out of system teammates watching on Lexi dennenberg

With a front row seat come on Championship Point USC [Applause] USC is staying aggressive not getting tentative especially with open net CLA going to the better side with the wind in their face that can help them but first they need to decide out it will be Audrey Norris serving for a national championship

Thank you Powers looking to extend it three painting into history the women of Troy [Applause] five NCAA titles for USC three in a row the first women’s program at USC to three feet incredible just from the beginning and it didn’t unfold the way we thought it

Would some of the teams expected to be easy wins for the programs did not win but USC Came Out Swinging aggressive from the start this UCLA team a fantastic season pushed USC until the very end a rivalry renewed on the biggest Duel of the season for the national championship

And for the third straight season it is USC coming out on top and it’s incredible how they did it with new players in new positions new rules after losing six starting players in your lineup a lot of people had deemed this a rebuilding year for Dame Blanton

And USC but they rebuilt themselves all the way to being a national title Contender again and then taking home the Ultimate Prize I think there are very few people who expected this season to end this way Drea is down on the sand with Dane Blanton coach congratulations the first USC

Women’s sports team to three Pete in the first three Pete in beach volleyball history in a rebuilding year how does your team get it done you know we just uh we we brought in some amazing girls and we already had an amazing day so we brought in 10 new players this year

Everyone said it was going to be a rebuilding year but they didn’t think that they wanted to go and they know now what it means to put on that Trojan Jersey and I can’t say enough of how proud I am of them I mean oh my gosh

They fought I mean UCLA was amazing after being up 2-0 they came back and almost pulled the reverse sweep I mean it can go either way and these girls came together played as a team the whole year and you know I can’t believe it it’s a three feet three feet

During that first flight when the twos and fours won at one point Holly mcpeek said USC is just making things happen how would you describe the twos and fours taking care of business well oh my gosh you know they just finally came into their own over this last week and

Started just really owning it they I mean they just took control it was amazing what they were doing and they just said hey we’re not going to be denied Audrey and Nicole the twins the sisters and the seniors it all came down to their Court what did those two have in

Them to snatch and win the duel um I can’t even believe we’re here right now with the three feet I’m still trying to process that but I say it and I’ll say it again and again if it is on the line I want the twins on the court

Competing they are the most competitive they are the most reliable and you know we have so many reliable teams but they really embrace the spotlight and the pressure and wow one game in a third set to 15 for a national championship and they embraced it coach You’ve Won multiple championships what do you

Remember the most about this one well being the underdog here you know and that was a great thing that we were able to come together being the underdog and winning three in a row is just amazing coach congratulations a three-peat you got it done I love it fight on 3p all

Right back to you incredible scene Draya USC and you heard them talk about the twos and the fours starting the stool Holly I felt like they set the tone they were tough they were aggressive they did and they put their Trojans up 2-0 that’s a good advantage to start and then the

Ones who were expected to win at USC did not win so UCLA struck back there at the ones in the fives interesting too because I know you got to see USC last week at Pac-12 and what a turnaround in a week’s time to come on this stage and again it’s coming down to

The threes the Norse Twins and Riley Powers trying to hit this ball flat and deep and that one no touch the response of USC after the way they performed at the Pac-12 championships till now has been amazing you heard Dane Blanton tell Drea there’s nobody else I want out there clinching a

Duel especially National Championship then Audrey and Nicole Norse what makes them Built For This Moment they put the work in and that gives you confidence in tough moments this is a pair of twins who have grown up together been in tough situations but they put the work in nobody is more prepared than

Audrey Nicole Norse for that big moment for USC what a season it has been going back to the beginning of the year it was TCU who was the number one team then UCLA took that from them they entered this tournament as the number one seed and now the number three sheet USC

Three-peating my goodness how competitive beach volleyball has become well it was a beautiful battle and it didn’t unfold the way a lot of people thought it would but that’s what makes it exciting and that’s why you have five pairs competing you see this USC team

Come out get it done with some new faces what is the style what do you expect when you see USC compete and what did you see today well I think it’s a winning tradition and there’s a lot of pressure and expectations to win it but they were The Underdogs I felt like the

Pressure was off of them in on UCL especially after the performance last week at the pac-12s where UCLA was able to dominate USC all right USC getting the national title once again three in a row they clinched it at the threes with Audrey and Nicole Norris and

They’re standing by with Drea thank you Courtney well ladies first of all congratulations what an amazing performance coach Blanton just told me when it’s on the line I want the twins Audrey what is it from you too that you were able to get it done honestly it’s

Just a grit it’s the fire it’s the competitiveness we we are our own biggest opponents if I’m if I’m not picking up the slack she’s there to push me to do it and honestly it’s it’s for our love of the games for our love ultimately for our love for each other

And Coach blinton also told me that you all have to honor yourselves honor your teammates and the players that came before you you all are seniors you’ve been a part of multiple championships for the teammates that came before you and that you’ve played with how has that

Inspired you as well well look we understand what it means to wear USC across our chest let’s just say that coming into this season we were counted out we have one of the youngest teams in the nation we were The Underdogs we had that top Top Dog mentality and honestly

Me and my sister we just all glory to the God above that’s who we play for we play for these wonderful teammates behind me and for all of those who came before us this is for all of them and I know you all have eight and 24 on your

Advisors kind of unique to you the Kobe mentality what does that mean to you Kobe has been a mentor for us someone that we’ve looked up to for our whole lives um and he’s just someone that we just are always aspiring to be like um just everything as a player as a

Teammate as a father um he just is someone that we’ve always looked up to and and we hope that we can kind of Garner that that Mamba mentality well you all played with that Mamba mentality for a three-peat ladies you made history congratulations thank you so much foreign

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