Florence, Ala., – The Missouri State Beach Volleyball team opened its season in dominant fashion by shutting out Huntingdon, 5-0, in head coach Gretchen Hand's debut on day one of the Shoals Beach Bash here Friday evening.

"The temperature was cold, but the Beach Bears came out hot," Hand said.  "I am very proud of all the first-time accomplishments from our freshmen, spring transfers, and new team pairings. Our veterans paved the way for the first sweep of the season. Altogether, the program is growing in a great way."

The Bears (1-0) took care of business by sweeping all five matches. Parker McAllen and Olivia Rattler defeated Izzy Valderperas and Josie Hester in the No. 5 spot, 21-4 and 21-12. In the No. 4 flight, Becca Bach and Brooke Plessner dispatched Eva Ellenburg and Samantha Singleton 21-13 and 21-14.

Missouri State clinched the dual in the No. 2 match as Grace Cook and Chloe Tome picked up where they left off last season with a victory over Veronica Tikhomirova and Ashlen Janowski (21-7, 21-9). The win was the pair's fifth straight, dating back to April 3 of last season.

Newcomers Kaeli Kristensen and Grayson Hall defeated Madison Chastain and Bea Lindquist, 21-6 and 21-15 in the No. 3 position.

The Bears completed the sweep in the No. 1 match as Chloe Filipski and Tylar Garrett earned the win over Morgan Ilsley and Audrey Horsley by scores of 21-13 and 21-17.

MSU also picked up the win in the exhibition match as Madalyn Bass and Mya Young disposed of Lauren Hinton and Caroline Foote (21-5, 21-15).

Up Next
The Bears conclude the Shoals Beach Bash tomorrow with duals against tournament host North Alabama at 11 a.m. and Hendrix at 1 p.m.

Results 
MSU 5, Huntingdon 0
1. Chloe Filipski/Tylar Garrett (MOST) def. Morgan Ilsley/Audrey Horsley (HC) 21-13, 21-17
2. Grace Cook/Chloe Tome (MOST) def. Veronica Tikhomirova/Ashlen Janowski (HC) 21-7, 21-9
3. Kaeli Kristensen/Grayson Hall (MOST) def. Madison Chastain/Bea Lindquist (HC) 21-6, 21-15
4. Becca Bach/Brooke Plessner (MOST) def. Eva Ellenburg/Samantha Singleton (HC) 21-13, 21-14
5. Parker McAllen/Olivia Rattler (MOST) def. Izzy Valderperas/Josie Hester (HC) 21-4, 21-12
Ext. Madalyn Bass/Mya Young (MOST) def. Lauren Hinton/Caroline Foote (HC) 21-5, 21-15

Order of Finish 
5, 4, 2*, 3, 1 
*Clinched Match Point