HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Jacksonville Beach Volleyball made program history on Tuesday morning, defeating North Alabama, 3-2, in the opening round of the ASUN Championship at John Hunt Park.
The victory marked the Dolphins' first-ever win over North Alabama and secured the program's 16th win of the season, setting a new single-season record.
Jacksonville did it the hard way, battling back from an early 2-0 deficit to complete a reverse sweep in a dual that came down to the final court. With the match tied at 2-2, all eyes turned to the No. 1 pairing of Claire Mrukowski and Megan Hair, who delivered in the clutch with a three-set victory to seal the historic win against a North Alabama pair featuring First Team All-ASUN selection Selma Robinson.
The duo's performance not only clinched the match but also moved them into a tie for fifth in single-season wins in program history, continuing their standout campaign at the top of the lineup.
After dropping the No. 2 and No. 3 flights, the Dolphins responded with key wins from Morgan Perry and Kate Taylor at the fours, followed by a resilient three-set victory from Maddie Fiedler and Katie Martinez at the fives to even the dual and set the stage for the decisive top-flight finish.
The opening-round victory marks the first win in the opening round of the ASUN Conference Tournament in program history.
Jacksonville now advances on the winner's side of the bracket and will face top-seeded Stetson at 9 a.m est on Thursday. The Dolphins pushed the Hatters in the season opener before falling 3-2 and will look to carry momentum from Wednesday's win into the rematch.
Scores:
- Claire Mrukowski / Megan Hair (JU) def. Audrey Gauthier / Selma Robinson (UNA) 18-21, 22-20, 15-11
- Paige Griner / Zoe Lewis (UNA) def. Meredith Mrukowski / Jamie Seward (JU) 21-15, 21-15
- Atchley / Bolden (UNA) def. Avery Kliethermes / Breanna McDonough (JU) 21-17, 21-14
- Morgan Perry / Kate Taylor (JU) def. Harnden / White (UNA) 21-18, 21-17
- Maddie Fiedler / Katie Martinez (JU) def. Wedding / Whitehead (UNA) 13-21, 21-16, 15-8
