Sat, October 18, 2025
Fri, October 17, 2025
Thu, October 16, 2025
Wed, October 15, 2025

Tulane Beach Volleyball Travels to UAB to Open Fall Slate

  Copy link into your clipboard //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. olleyball-travels-to-uab-to-open-fall-slate.html
  Print publication without navigation Published in Travel and Leisure on by Sports Illustrated
          🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
-

Tulane Beach Volleyball Kicks Off Fall Season Against UAB

The Tulane University beach volleyball team is set to begin its fall competition schedule with a pair of matches against the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers on September 16th and 17th in Birmingham, Alabama. This marks the start of a season focused on development and pairing experimentation as the Green Wave prepares for the highly competitive spring campaign.

The fall slate provides an opportunity for Coach Liz Kritza and her staff to evaluate different player combinations and assess team strengths ahead of the official NCAA season which begins in January 2024. Unlike the regular season, fall competitions are exhibition-style events; results do not count towards overall records or conference standings. The focus is squarely on growth and identifying a cohesive lineup.

Returning Experience & New Faces

Tulane returns several key players from last year’s squad that finished with an impressive 24-10 record, including multiple All-American selections. Senior Savannah Jackwitz, a dominant force at the top of the lineup, is back alongside junior Claire Cascio, who consistently anchors the second pair. Sophomore Brooke Summers and senior Hattie Drozd are also expected to play significant roles. The team’s depth was evident last season, and this fall will allow for further exploration of that depth.

Adding to the roster this year are several promising freshmen: Lily Grace Oleary, Maya Stauffacher, and Addison Caughey. These newcomers provide fresh talent and competition within the program, pushing veteran players to elevate their game. Oleary, in particular, has generated considerable buzz during preseason practices. [ https://tulanegreenwave.com/roster ] provides a complete roster breakdown with player bios.

UAB as a Worthy Opponent

The Blazers of UAB are also looking to refine their approach heading into the spring season. Under Coach Renata Haydel, UAB has established itself as a competitive program within Conference USA. Last year, they finished 17-15 and demonstrated resilience throughout the campaign. While UAB’s fall schedule is similarly focused on development, facing them provides Tulane with valuable experience against a familiar conference opponent. [ https://uabathletics.com/sports/beach-volleyball/roster ] details the UAB roster and coaching staff.

Fall Schedule & Format

The two matches against UAB will be structured as dual meets, with each team playing a series of pairs matches. The specific pairings used by both teams during these fall contests are often fluid, reflecting the experimental nature of the events. Fans can expect to see a variety of combinations tested out as coaches seek optimal partnerships for the spring season.

Looking Ahead: Spring Season Expectations

The results of the fall competitions will inform Tulane’s strategy and lineup decisions heading into the official 2024 beach volleyball season. The Green Wave has consistently been a contender in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and aims to continue that trajectory. Their success hinges on strong play from their established stars, the rapid integration of new talent, and the discovery of effective pairings throughout the lineup.

The team’s performance last year showcased their potential for national recognition. They secured victories over several ranked opponents and demonstrated a commitment to both offensive power and defensive solidity. The fall season provides a crucial opportunity to build upon that foundation and fine-tune their approach for an even more successful spring campaign. Tulane's beach volleyball program has steadily risen in prominence, and the upcoming fall matches against UAB offer a glimpse into their preparations for continued growth and achievement.

The American Athletic Conference (AAC) website provides further information on conference standings and schedules: [ https://www.theamerican.org/beachvolleyball ].


Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/tulane/olympic-sports/tulane-beach-volleyball-travels-to-uab-to-open-fall-slate-01k7sn55wknq ]
-