GULF SHORES, Ala. — On opening day of the AVCA Small College Beach Championships in Gulf Shores, Florida Southern College (16-11) competed in two beach volleyball matches on Friday, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over Emmanuel (10-25) before falling to Spring Hill College (12-13) with a final score of 0-3.

In the match against Emmanuel, the Moccasins clinched all three completed matches to seal the win. At the top flight, Sydney Melcher and Ryla Bryant of FSC secured a win in straight sets against Emmanuel's Alaina West and Maryn Barrow, posting scores of 21-15, 21-9. The 2s followed suit, with Ella Pringle and Lauren Passaglia adding a point for the Mocs by defeating Faith Kelly and Brooke Lee, 21-17, 21-9. In the No. 3 spot, Hailey Carefoot and Sarah Idler clinched another victory for Florida Southern, overcoming Kaleigh Morawietz and MaisyBeth Farrow with scores of 21-18, 21-16. The matches at the 4s and 5s were left unfinished, with the Moccasins already having secured enough points for the dual victory.

The Moccasins then faced Spring Hill College, where they fell short despite showing resilience. In the 2s, Spring Hill's Claire Hayes and Alessandra Lane secured a point by overcoming Florida Southern's Ella Pringle and Lauren Passaglia in a three-set battle, 19-21, 21-15, 15-11. This match showcased a tense deciding third set where Hayes and Lane ultimately prevailed. Over on Court 4, Spring Hill's Reagan Huff and Landry Tea put a point on the board with a straight-set victory against Aubrey Wieser and Victoria Rushing, 21-15, 21-14. The 5s saw Mia Johnson and Monica Vargo from Spring Hill adding a point with a decisive win over Allison Thomas and Madden Bingham, 21-13, 21-15. Meanwhile, at the top flight, Sydney Melcher and Ryla Bryant of the Mocs faced Jaylyne Bell and Marissa Peck from the Badgers, but the match was left unfinished, leaving its outcome undecided.

In the pairs challenge, Haven Miscia and Grace Korta teamed up to go 1-1 on the day.

Looking ahead, the next challenge for the Moccasins' beach volleyball team will be against Catawba College. This matchup is set for Saturday, April 18, at 11:10 a.m. in Gulf Shores. Florida Southern will also face University of Tampa at 5:40 p.m. to close out pool play.