Gulf Shores, AL - The Southern Virginia University beach volleyball team capped off a historic weekend with a fourth-place finish at the AVCA Beach Volleyball Championships, competing in the NCAA Division III Championship bracket.

In just its second season, the young Knights program delivered an impressive performance, advancing all the way to the semifinals and setting a new benchmark for the program.

Head coach Jon Baker reflected on the team's achievement:

"Year two is in the books, and what a great experience. I'm so proud to be associated with this group of young women. Our team values are love, trust, and respect, and everything these athletes accomplished came from that foundation. They trusted the process and continued to improve every day. To reach the semifinals in just our second year is truly special, and I'm excited for the future of our program. Once we have a facility to practice and compete on, there's no telling how far we can go. I'm grateful for the example our players set in how they represent their faith, family, program, and school."

Opening Round: Southern Virginia def. Howard Payne

The Knights opened the championship with a strong showing against Howard Payne, earning key wins across the lineup.

Pair 1

1:25 PM | Court 11

Southern Virginia – #4 Charity Elam / #21 Brynn Keeling (21, 23)

Howard Payne – #12 Emilee Casey / #14 Samantha Torres (16, 21)

Pair 2

1:25 PM | Court 12

Southern Virginia – #2 Gabi Hale / #25 Brookelyn Madland (22, 21)

Howard Payne – #2 Tara Bennett / #6 Sydnie Mullins (20, 13)

Pair 3

1:25 PM | Court 13

Southern Virginia – #9 Tiari Puriri / #24 Callie Tuckfield (21, 21)

Howard Payne – #5 Addison Roden / #17 Bailey Scheivlbien (19, 9)

Pair 4

1:25 PM | Court 14

Southern Virginia – #12 Sophie Larsen / #1 Charlotte Wilde (18, 18)

Howard Payne – #10 Halie Coon / #7 Ashley Quizon (21, 21)

Pair 5

1:25 PM | Court 15

Southern Virginia – #6 Emily Peterson / #19 Baylee Savage

Howard Payne – #13 Ashlyn Kelly / #1 Jadyn White

Quarterfinals: Southern Virginia def. East Texas Baptist

The Knights continued their historic run with a quarterfinal victory over East Texas Baptist, avenging a 0–5 loss from the 2025 season and advancing to the national semifinals.

Match 1A

9:05 AM | Court 1

East Texas Baptist – #3 Paige Dickson / #8 Boston Morin

Southern Virginia – #4 Charity Elam / #21 Brynn Keeling

Match 1B

9:05 AM | Court 2

East Texas Baptist – #5 Bella Fields / #2 Caiden Lasala (20, 18)

Southern Virginia – #2 Gabi Hale / #25 Brookelyn Madland (22, 21)

Match 1C

9:05 AM | Court 3

East Texas Baptist – #4 Luci (Lucienne) Guardia / #12 Katelynn Holloway (11, 10)

Southern Virginia – #9 Tiari Puriri / #24 Callie Tuckfield (21, 21)

Match 1D

9:05 AM | Court 4

East Texas Baptist – #15 Caitlyn Ellenburg / #18 Emily Thomas (17, 16)

Southern Virginia – #12 Sophie Larsen / #1 Charlotte Wilde (21, 21)

Match 1E

9:05 AM | Court 5

East Texas Baptist – #1 Morgan Cox / #14 Emmaley Matz

Southern Virginia – #6 Emily Peterson / #19 Baylee Savage

Southern Virginia's run came to an end in the semifinals against eventual three-time champion Mary Hardin-Baylor. The Knights ultimately secured a fourth-place finish, the highest in program history.

The Knights close out a historic second season with significant momentum as the program continues to rise on the national stage.

For the latest updates on Southern Virginia beach volleyball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_beach on Instagram.