Complete Box Scores Not Yet Available

MESA, Ariz.  – The Bushnell Beach season got underway at the Park-Gilbert Tournament with three matches, going 1-2 with a win over the hosts.
 
Head Coach Kim Elgarico said, "I am so thankful we got the opportunity to face some tough opponents down here in Mesa. So far, we are learning and growing. The positive energy is palpable. Every pair found ways to play better together and getting that win just showed that we are very capable and should not be underestimated. I am proud of our team and their determination.
 
(RV) Arizona Christian def. Bushnell, 5-0
 
Bushnell had an early wakeup call with their first of three matches starting at 9:00 am. The result wasn't quite what the team was looking for as they were swept by Arizona Christian, a team receiving votes in the NAIA national coaches poll. All five pairs lost in two sets for the Beacons.
 
Bushnell def. (RV) Park-Gilbert, 3-2
 
The Beacons first win of the season came against the team who gave Bushnell their first-ever victory at the NAIA West Regional Qualifier in 2022, and another team receiving votes nationally.
 
The match came down to the No. 5 pair as Laci Jespersen and Reagan Walker claimed a 21-16, 21-19 victory.
 
Also winning for the first tim this season for the Beacons, Roslyn McLellan and Sydney Myhre defeated their opponent at the No. 4 pair, 21-16, 21-19 and at the No. 1 pair, Halle Neumann and Kate Palelek defeated the top duo for the Buccaneers, 21-18, 21-12.
 
"As a team, we are very proud of our resilience and positivity," said Neumann. "We face some very challenging opponents and had some great matchers. Our win against Park was well fought and a great way to kick of the season. Personally, I am super impressed with my partner Kate's defense and shots. Our communication and positive energy were essential to our success today."
 
(5) Ottawa-Arizona def. Bushnell, 5-0
 
It was another 5-0 sweep in the final dual of the day, but the Beacons put together a highly competitive performance against one of the top teams in the country in OUAZ. Neumann and Palelek took the opening set at No. 1's before falling in three.
 
The Beacons (1-2) are set to close out their Arizona trip on Saturday with two more matches. They take on Benedictine-Mesa (0-0) at 9:00 am, followed by a rematch with Park-Gilbert (1-4) at 11:00 am.