The atmosphere at Hornet Beach was charged with a mixture of nostalgia and competitive grit on Senior Day, as the Sacramento State beach volleyball team navigated a day of contrasting fortunes. While the team split its final home matches of the season, the event served as a milestone for the Sacramento State beach volleyball program record, specifically as Kate Doorn and Mia Guevara etched their names into the history books.
The Hornets began the afternoon with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Concordia before falling 4-1 to Saint Mary’s. Despite the split, the team’s overall record now stands at 12-13. Those 12 victories represent an ongoing program record for the team since 2013, signaling a steady ascent in the program’s competitiveness on the sand.
Beyond the team totals, the day belonged to the duo of Doorn and Guevara. By winning both of their individual matches, the pair improved their season mark to 16-9, the best on the team. In doing so, they tied the program record for single-season wins by a duo, matching the 16 victories set by Ashlynn Archer and Ellie Tisko last season.
Grit at the No. 3 Spot
The highlight of the day occurred during the deciding match against Concordia. With the overall score knotted at 2-2, the outcome rested on the shoulders of Doorn and Guevara. The match was a rollercoaster of momentum. the duo found themselves trailing 12-9 in the third set and were forced to save a match point to keep their hopes alive.
Showing the poise that has defined their season, Doorn and Guevara erased the deficit to secure a 21-19, 16-21, 16-14 victory. This win extended their current four-match winning streak and reinforced their dominance at the No. 3 spot, where they have played each of their last 12 matches, posting a 9-5 record in that position.
Sacramento State’s victory over Concordia was further supported by strong performances at the bottom of the lineup. Greta Davis and Skyler Gartin took the No. 4 match in straight sets (21-19, 21-19), while Karlie Spohn and Keonahi’ilani Solaita handled the No. 5 spot with a 21-16, 21-18 win.
A Bittersweet Farewell at Hornet Beach
The competitive tension of the matches was balanced by the emotional weight of Senior Day. Before the first serve, the program honored seven seniors who have been instrumental in the team’s growth. The honored athletes included Ashlynn Archer, Greta Davis, Kate Doorn, Mia Guevara, Abbey Kadillak, Mackenzie Natusch, and Karlie Spohn.
The transition from the celebratory atmosphere to the match against Saint Mary’s proved challenging. While the final 4-1 scoreline suggested a blowout, the reality on the sand was much tighter. The Hornets pushed the Nos. 1 and 2 matches to three sets, fighting until the final points before ultimately falling in both. Doorn and Guevara provided the lone bright spot for the Hornets in that matchup, winning their match 27-25, 21-11.
The resilience shown in those three-set battles suggests a team that is peaking at the right time, refusing to concede even when the momentum shifts toward the opponent.
Senior Day Match Results Summary
| Opponent | Overall Result | Key Duo Performance (Doorn/Guevara) | Notable Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia | 3-2 Win | Won (3 sets) | Saved match point in 3rd set |
| Saint Mary’s | 1-4 Loss | Won (2 sets) | Nos. 1 & 2 matches went 3 sets |
The Road to the Big West Tournament
As the Hornets pack up their gear from Hornet Beach, their focus shifts toward the postseason. The team is now entering the final stretch of its non-conference schedule, which will serve as the ultimate tuning fork for the Big West Conference competition.
The team will not compete again until April 17-18, when they travel to Davis for a concentrated burst of action. The schedule includes four matches, with two facing Santa Clara and two against UC Davis. These matchups represent the final opportunities for the coaching staff to refine rotations and pairings before the stakes rise.
The ultimate goal remains the Sacramento State women’s beach volleyball postseason run, with the Big West Conference Tournament scheduled for April 23-24. For the seniors, it is a chance to cap off their collegiate careers with a deep run in the conference championship.
With a program record for wins already established and a record-tying duo in peak form, the Hornets head into the final weeks of the season with a foundation of proven resilience.
Do you think the Hornets can carry this momentum into the Big West Tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments or share this story with fellow fans.
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