Falcons Dig Deep and Keep Battling in Beach Volleyball Matchups
Despite facing tough competition and some roster limitations, the Folsom Lake College beach volleyball team continues to fight with grit and spirit, showing flashes of promise and plenty of heart during recent matchups against Marin, American River, Sierra, and Sacramento City.
Standout Pair Shines Bright
The highlight for the Falcons continues to be the strong play of the No. 3 pair, Erin Ayers and Viktoria Boldyreva. The duo has been a reliable force in the sand, picking up wins against Marin (21-8, 21-14), American River (21-23, 21-14, 15-12), and putting up a valiant effort in a tight three-set loss to Sacramento City. Their communication, hustle, and court awareness continue to set the tone for the Falcons and reflect the potential the program is building.
Top Pair Battles to the Wire
At the top of the lineup, Piper Jones and Kimora McKechnie have been consistently competitive, pushing high-level opponents to the brink. In their match against Marin, they lost in a nail-biter (18-21, 20-22, 17-15), displaying incredible defensive coverage and refusing to back down against an experienced pair. The duo also picked up a clutch win over Sacramento City, showing resilience in a three-set thriller (21-18, 15-21, 15-12).
"Bri and Maddie continue to bring energy and leadership," said Head Coach Molly Hanrahan. "They've shown they can hang with anyone when they're locked in."
Progress in the Face of Adversity
While the team has had to forfeit matches at the 4s and 5s positions due to roster limitations, the athletes stepping on the sand continue to embrace the challenge and show improvement each outing. Pairings like Jenae Moore and Lola Quintanar at the 2s have shown flashes of synergy, narrowly falling in tight sets to both Marin and American River.
Even in the face of multiple 4-1 and 5-0 final scores, the Falcons are focusing on growth. Each match has brought more cohesion, improved ball control, and a stronger sense of chemistry on the court.
Looking Ahead
With the season rolling into its second half, the Falcons remain determined to compete with heart and continue developing as a unit. The team's positive culture and willingness to battle through adversity are clear, and the foundation is being laid for future success.
"We're proud of the fight these players are showing," said Coach Hanrahan. "It's not about the scoreboard right now—it's about how we're growing, match by match."