CINCINNATI, Ohio – The EKU beach volleyball team takes on ASUN foes Austin Peay and Liberty, as well as in-state rival Morehead State, in the Grand Sands Tournament to open the 2023 season. 

On Saturday, the Colonels start the day with Austin Peay at 10:00 a.m., followed by Liberty at 4:00 p.m. On Sunday, EKU battles Austin Peay again at 11:30 a.m. before closing the weekend against Morehead State at 1:30 p.m.
 
SCOUTING
Austin Peay

• Posted a 19-12 record last season with a 6-2 mark in the OVC.
• The Governors return seven players that saw time in the lineup, including top pair Marlayna Bullington and Kelsey Mead.

Liberty

• Finished the 2022 season at 5-8. 
• The Flames return 10 players total from last season.

Morehead State

• Advanced to the OVC Championship match and ended the season 12-11.  
• The Eagles' roster features five players who saw action last year. 

LAST TIME OUT

• EKU posted wins over Spartanburg Methodist, Truett McConnell, Eastern Illinois, and Jacksonville State in 2022. 
• Hannah Keating and Shannon Stone combined for eight victories in the top flight. 
• The Colonels' No. 2 pair of Sarah Mitchell and Paityn Walker notched 11 wins, the most by any returning pair on the roster. 

WHAT'S NEXT

• The Colonels' next action will come at the Missouri State Tournament on Mar. 3-4.