NEW ORLEANS, La. – The University of South Florida beach volleyball team made a splash in its inaugural season, securing a 3-1 record at the Green Wave Invitational hosted by Tulane University this weekend. The Bulls capped off the tournament with a historic day on Saturday, earning their first multiple-win day in program history and, crucially, their first victory against a ranked opponent – a 3-2 win over No. 20 Tulane.
South Florida’s quick start to the 2026 season, which began on February 20th, demonstrates the potential of a program led by head coach Pri Piantadosi-Lima, who was named to the position in June 2023. Piantadosi-Lima similarly serves as the head coach of USAV Beach and the national team development program and was recognized as the 2022 USA Volleyball Female Junior Coach of the Year. The Bulls’ success at the Green Wave Invitational, which included victories over Texas A&M – Corpus Christi and Tulane, marks a significant milestone for the newest program in USF Athletics, which joined Conference USA on July 1, 2025.
Rallying to Defeat Texas A&M – Corpus Christi
The Bulls began Saturday with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. Trailing initially, South Florida demonstrated resilience, winning three of the final four courts to secure the dual. Cornelia Crudu and Julia Panko, competing at Pair 2, sparked the comeback with a three-set victory, 17-21, 21-14, 15-13. Abigail Lagemann and Tereza Lajkebova followed at Pair 3, winning 23-21, 18-21, 15-9, giving USF the lead. The decisive point came from Sasha Pasloski and Bella Almeida (Pair 4), who edged their opponents 16-21, 22-20, 15-13 in a dramatic finish. Ryann Genest and Ariana Medchill added an exhibition win at Pair 6 in straight sets.
Historic Win Over No. 20 Tulane
The momentum continued into the afternoon as South Florida faced host Tulane, ranked No. 20 in both the TruVolley and AVCA preseason polls. The Bulls delivered another 3-2 victory, marking their first ranked win and their first Conference USA triumph. Crudu and Panko once again secured a point for USF, winning 21-18, 21-16 at Pair 2. Pasloski and Almeida continued their strong performance, clinching another crucial victory in a marathon three-setter, 21-15, 17-21, 20-18. The match was sealed by Stewart and Medchill at Pair 5, who won 21-17, 18-21, 15-10, securing the historic win for the Bulls.
This weekend’s performance is particularly notable as it represents the program’s first foray into Conference USA competition. The Bulls’ ability to secure wins against established programs like Tulane demonstrates their rapid development and potential for success within the conference. The Green Wave Invitational featured a competitive field, including No. 12 LSU, Oregon, Spring Hill, and New Orleans, providing valuable experience for the young USF team.
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The Bulls will continue their early-season schedule at the Tiger Beach Challenge in Baton Rouge next weekend. The team’s performance at the Green Wave Invitational provides a strong foundation as they prepare for future challenges and aim to build upon their successful start to the 2026 season. Fans can purchase tickets for USF Athletics events by calling 504-861-WAVE (9283) or visiting TulaneTix.com.
What comes next for USF Beach Volleyball is a continued test against competitive opponents as they navigate their inaugural season. The Tiger Beach Challenge will offer another opportunity to assess their progress and refine their strategies. The team’s early success suggests a promising future, and fans will be eager to see how they continue to develop throughout the spring.
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