Fifth-ranked Hawaii was given the fifth seed in next week’s inaugural NCAA Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship in Gulf Shores, Ala.
The Rainbow Wahine (16-8), winners of Saturday’s Big West tournament, will play fourth-seeded UCLA (19-6) in Friday’s opening round at 5 a.m. Hawaii time. The eight-team bracket was announced this afternoon on NCAA.com.
Hawaii lost to UCLA twice during the regular season, the Bruins winning both 3-2.
Florida State (29-1) was awarded the top seed and will face Stetson (26-7) in Friday’s opener (4 a.m. Hawaii time). The Seminoles’ lone loss came to the SandBows 4-1 on March 26 at the Stetson Invitational in Deland, Fla.
On the other side of the bracket, reigning AVCA champion USC (30-2) was seeded second. The Women of Troy, who won the inaugural Pac-12 championship earlier today, will play Georgia State (25-8) in Friday’s third quarterfinal.
Pepperdine (19-3) was the third seed and will face Pac-12 tournament runner-up Arizona (19-5).
Play continues Friday with the winners bracket semifinals and two elimination matches. The double-elimination event has four matches on Saturday with the championship final Sunday.
Hawaii and beach volleyball a natural fit. Good luck!