SAINT LEO, Fla. — Florida Southern College beach volleyball (15-9) faced a tough day in the Sunshine State Conference Championship narrowly falling in both matches. The Moccasins first lost to Eckerd College (17-12) with a final score of 2-3, and then succumbed to Saint Leo University (19-6), also ending 2-3. In both games,.

FLORIDA SOUTHERN 2, ECKERD 3
In the match against Eckerd, on Court 3, Ella Pringle and Lauren Passaglia got the Moccasins on the board, defeating the Tritons' Teagan VanderMey and Ella Kloepper in straight sets, 21-15, 21-12. This strong start set the tone early in the dual. Sydney Melcher and Ryla Bryant added another point for FSC in the top flight, overcoming Madison Hardbarger and Anna Jupin, 22-20, 22-20, showcasing their ability to handle tense situations.

However, in the No. 2 flight, Hailey Carefoot and Sarah Idler faced a challenging match against Brooke Hand and Maddie Prois, ultimately losing 21-18, 22-20, which leveled the score. On Court 5, Sophie Harris and Aubrey Wieser faced Addie White and Jessi Meghreblian, but fell short, losing 21-14, 21-15. The dual was clinched by the Tritons when Lily Schlageter and Victoria Rushing, who initially won their first set against Marti Boser and Emma Samuelson 21-15, could not maintain the lead, losing the match 15-11 in the deciding third set.

FLORIDA SOUTHERN 2, SAINT LEO 3
In the subsequent match against Saint Leo, the Lions' Erin Johnson and Paula Perez Rosales concluded their match first, defeating Florida Southern's Schlageter and VRushing in straight sets, 21-15, 21-13. However, Pringle and Passaglia responded for the Mocs, winning in straight sets against the Lions' Tajma Muharemovic and Caitlyn Kemer, 21-16, 21-17.

Melcher and Bryant fought hard in the top flight, engaging in a thrilling three-set battle against Madison Moore and Anna Intagliata. After dropping the first set 21-17, they rallied to win the second set 21-17 and clinched the match with a decisive 15-11 finish in the third set. Unfortunately, Harris and Wieser fell to Paige Reeves and Abby VanBuskirk in a dramatic three-set contest, losing 21-10, 23-21, 15-9, which secured the dual for the Lions. Carefoot and Idler also faced a tough challenge but ultimately fell short against Emma Laade and Thalie Brossard, losing 21-14, 16-21, 16-14 after the decision was already reached.

The Moccasins season continues at the AVCA Small College Beach Championship in Gulf Shores, Ala. April 17-19.