Women of Troy compete in tough tournament


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This weekend, the USC women’s sand volleyball team will participate in the USA Volleyball Beach Collegiate Challenge at Hermosa Beach, Calif.

The Women of Troy will face Pepperdine University, Hawai’i, Long Beach State (2-3) and Loyola Marymount (0-4). Pepperdine is currently undefeated this season with a 10-0 record, including a victory over USC last weekend.

Rematch · Graduate student Geena Urango and USC fell to Pepperdine last weekend. They will play again at the USA Volleyball Collegiate Challenge. - Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Hawai’i has a 2-2 record, while Long Beach State stands at 2-3 and Loyola Marymount trails behind at 0-4. The dual team matches will begin Saturday at 8 a.m.

Some of USC’s key players include junior Katie Fuller and sophomore Natalie Hagglund, who clinched the win in this season’s historic first game and have played a consistent, strong game since then. The pair also plays on USC’s indoor volleyball team, which finished third in its 2011 NCAA season.

The pairs championship begins Sunday at 9 a.m, and the Women of Troy are hoping that wins here will lead to invitations to participate in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Beach Collegiate Championships at the end of April.

USC has never placed below the top three in this event, earning first in 2009, tying for first in 2010 and placing second in 2011.