The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Sand Volleyball Sends Pair To AVCA Nationals
4/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Beach Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Seniors Kiriana Hirini and Bethanie Thomas will represent the UAB sand volleyball team this weekend at the 2015 AVCA National Pairs Competition in Gulf Shores, Ala. The tournament will begin Friday.
 
UAB's duo will participate in pool play on Friday and Saturday as one of 10 pairs to reach the pairs competition. Each pair will play two matches on both days. The top two finishes will be seeded into Sunday's 16-team single elimination bracket.
 
Hirini and Thomas are the only pair that has been selected to compete in the national pairs tournament each of the last three seasons. The duo made UAB history by winning the first ever match for the Blazers in postseason in 2013.
 
The two have won two matches total after earning a win in the 2014 pairs tournament. This year Hirini and Thomas are in Pool A with Betsi Metter and Sarah Sponcil (LMU), Marcela Araya and Michelle McNamee (ULM), Mandi Orellana and Katie Lindelow (LSU) and McKenna Will and Madison Will (Arizona).
 
UAB finished the 2015 season with a 7-8 record, including a 4-2 record in matches played at home. Most recently, the team topped Mercer, 3-2, after winning at the top three spots to close out the dual match season.
 
For the latest news on Blazer sports, follow the UAB Athletics Twitter account: @UABathletics. For sand volleyball news, follow @UABSandVBall.
 
 
