Chattanooga beach volleyball seniors McKenna Faychak and Maddie Lecik are enjoying a remarkable run of form, recently earning the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Pair of the Week award for the week ending April 1st. This marks the second time this season the duo has received the honor, demonstrating their consistent dominance at the No. 1 position for the Mocs. Their success is a key component of Chattanooga’s undefeated record in conference play, signaling a strong season for the program.
The OVC Pair of the Week award recognizes outstanding performance by a duo within the conference. Faychak, a senior from Delray Beach, Florida, and Lecik, a senior hailing from Forest, Virginia, went a perfect 4-0 during the week, playing a pivotal role in Chattanooga’s own 4-0 record. This achievement underscores the importance of strong partnerships in the rapidly growing sport of beach volleyball, and highlights the dedication and skill of these two athletes.
Dominating Performance at the OVC Roundup
The pair’s winning streak began at the first OVC roundup, where they secured victories against both Tennessee Tech and Lindenwood. Against Tennessee Tech, Faychak and Lecik prevailed with scores of 21-18 and 21-18, showcasing their ability to close out sets under pressure. They followed this up with a 21-18, 21-14 win over Lindenwood, demonstrating their versatility and adaptability. These early wins set the tone for a successful week.
The momentum continued on the final day of competition, with straight-set victories against Eastern Illinois (21-13, 21-12) and Morehead State (21-17, 21-15). These matches highlighted their ability to maintain a high level of play throughout an entire tournament, a crucial attribute for success in collegiate beach volleyball. The consistency of their performance is a testament to their training and teamwork.
Beyond the Scores: The Rise of Chattanooga Beach Volleyball
Chattanooga’s success isn’t solely attributable to Faychak and Lecik. The team’s overall performance reflects a growing commitment to the sport within the university. Beach volleyball is one of the fastest-growing NCAA sports, and Chattanooga is quickly establishing itself as a competitive force within the OVC. The OVC website details the pair’s accomplishments and the conference’s growing beach volleyball landscape.
The Mocs’ undefeated conference record demonstrates a clear strategy and effective coaching. While individual talent is important, the team’s ability to operate together and support each other is a key factor in their success. The program’s upward trajectory is attracting attention and contributing to the increasing popularity of beach volleyball in the region.
Other Notable Performances in the OVC
While Faychak and Lecik earned the Pair of the Week honors, several other duos similarly delivered strong performances. Ariadna Pereles and Alanys Nieves from Eastern Illinois, Gabby Belcher and Aubrey Sheppard from Lindenwood, and Andie Kryak and Amara Traiger from UT Martin all received nominations for their contributions. These nominations highlight the depth of talent within the OVC and the competitive nature of the conference.
Lindenwood, in particular, has seen consistent success this season, with multiple pairs earning nominations for the weekly award. Nyah Wilson and Susanna Beretti, Abby Jacobs and Annalie McWhorter, and Katie Bockhorst and Lexie Schauffler all previously earned the honor earlier in the 2026 season, demonstrating the program’s strength and depth. A full list of previous OVC Pair of the Week winners is available on the OVC website.
Looking Ahead
Chattanooga will look to continue its winning streak as the beach volleyball season progresses. The team’s next challenge will be to maintain its momentum and build upon its current success. Faychak and Lecik will undoubtedly be key players in the Mocs’ pursuit of a conference championship. The team’s schedule and upcoming matches can be found on the Chattanooga Mocs official athletics website.
The OVC beach volleyball season is heating up, and the competition is expected to intensify as teams vie for a spot in the conference tournament. Fans can follow the action and support their favorite teams throughout the remainder of the season. The dedication and skill of athletes like McKenna Faychak and Maddie Lecik are driving the growth and excitement surrounding this dynamic sport.
Chattanooga’s next scheduled competition is April 6th against North Alabama. Further updates on the team’s performance and the OVC standings will be available on the conference website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and support for the Chattanooga Mocs and the OVC beach volleyball community.
