TALLAHASSEE – The No. 8 ranked Florida State Seminole beach volleyball team concluded a perfect weekend at the 2026 Unconquered Invitational, defeating Southeastern Louisiana 5-0 on Sunday. The victory capped off a dominant showing for the Seminoles, who went 6-0 overall at the tournament without dropping a single dual point. This early-season success positions FSU favorably as they aim to build on a strong foundation and potentially surpass program milestones.
The Seminoles’ performance at the Unconquered Invitational, held February 20-22 at the FSU Beach Courts, showcased both established talent and emerging players. FSU accumulated a total of 35 dual points across matches against Southeastern Louisiana, UAB, Cal State Bakersfield, North Alabama, and Georgia State. The team is now one step closer to breaking their program record of eight consecutive wins, set during their inaugural season in 2012, which included victories over UAB, Tulane, and FGCU.
Head coach Brooke Niles has cultivated a roster depth that was on full display throughout the invitational. A total of 16 Florida State athletes secured wins during the tournament, and six players – Saofe Duval, Camryn Haworth, Jess Horwath, Elena Lam, Lennox Langham, and Julia Tennoy – earned their first dual victories as Seminoles. This infusion of latest talent alongside experienced players signals a promising future for the program.
The final match against Southeastern Louisiana saw the Seminoles secure four of five dual points in just two sets. A particularly competitive contest unfolded on court four, where Haworth and Kyleene Filimaua faced a tough challenge. After dropping the second set 20-22, the duo rallied in the third, securing a 15-10 victory thanks to strong defensive plays from Haworth and a decisive spike from Filimaua.
Strong Start to the Season
This undefeated start to the 2026 season builds on the momentum from previous years. The Seminoles’ consistent performance demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a well-defined program strategy. The team’s ability to consistently win duals, and to do so without conceding points, highlights their overall strength and tactical adaptability.
The Unconquered Invitational provided a valuable opportunity for Coach Niles to assess her team’s progress and identify areas for improvement. The emergence of new players like Duval, Haworth, Horwath, Lam, Langham, and Tennoy adds depth and versatility to the roster, providing options for different matchups and strategic adjustments throughout the season.
Looking Ahead: Challenging Schedule on the Horizon
Florida State will return to action next weekend with a challenging slate of matches against ranked opponents. The Seminoles will host No. 17 North Florida and No. 15 FAU before concluding the weekend with a contest against UNC Wilmington as part of the Seminole Beach Bash. Live stats for these matches will be available on VolleyballLife.com.
The Seminole Beach Bash will also feature special events, including a Seminole Heritage celebration on Friday and Kids Club activities on Saturday. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the team as they continue their pursuit of a successful season. For more information on the Florida State beach volleyball program, visit Seminoles.com and follow the team on social media at fsubeachvolleyball (Instagram) and @FSU_BeachVB (X).
The upcoming matches against North Florida and FAU will provide a significant test for the Seminoles, offering an opportunity to further solidify their ranking and demonstrate their ability to compete against top-tier opponents. The team’s focus will undoubtedly be on maintaining their momentum and continuing to develop the chemistry and cohesion that have been key to their early-season success.
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