Boise State Beach Volleyball secured two victories over ranked opponents during its first weekend competing in the Big 12 Conference, according to a March 28 announcement from the team.
The achievement marks the first time in program history that Boise State has defeated multiple ranked teams in a single weekend. The Broncos, now holding a record of 9-11 overall and 2-1 in conference play, earned narrow 3-2 wins against No. 20 Arizona and No. 19 South Carolina while dropping matches to No. 5 Florida State and defending national champion No. 7 TCU.
In their opening match against Florida State, Boise State lost despite strong efforts from Addison Moss and Elli Wolthuis at the No. 4 position, as well as Ava Anderson and Addison Wolden at No. 2. The team rebounded with a victory over Arizona after Moss and Wolthuis won a three-setter on court four, followed by straight-set wins from Avery Allen/Keira Demirjian on court three and Allyson Alden/Serena van der Made on court one.
Head coach Alex Venardos said, “Those were some big wins to get off our back. These were good wins against good teams. I was really proud of how we responded after not having good morning duals on both days. The fact that we punched back against quality opponents is my biggest takeaway.” Venardos added, “We’re really comfortable against this top competition… We just trusted our process.” He also said he looks forward to returning home: “We have put in some miles so far this season… I’m excited for Bronco Nation to see it for themselves.”
The Broncos’ win over South Carolina was their first ever against that program after two previous losses. Individual milestones included Anderson moving into third place all-time at Boise State with her seventy-second career win; Wolthuis tied for fourth with seventy-one; Wolden moved up to seventh with sixty-six career victories; Allen reached eleven season victories from court three—second-most for any player at that spot.
Looking ahead, Boise State will host consecutive home events: the Boise State Classic (April 3-4) and the Boise State Beach Bash (April 10-11), both taking place at the university’s beach volleyball complex.
