The first trip in program history was always going to be memorable. Turns out, it was also historic in more ways than one.
Howard Payne opened its inaugural women's beach volleyball season February 20 and 21 in Belton, Texas, hosted by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. It marked not only the first competition weekend for the Lady Jackets, but also the first season at the helm for head coach Micah Taylor.
As expected with any brand new program, the weekend came with growing pains. The competition was seasoned. The margins were thin. But between the scoreboard and the swirling Central Texas wind, something permanent was carved into the record book.
Addison Roden and Carli Briese delivered the first match victory in Howard Payne beach volleyball history, defeating Texas Wesleyan, a top 10 ranked team, in straight sets, 21-16 and 21-8. It was not just a win. It was a statement. Against one of the nation's premier programs, the Lady Jackets proved they belong in the conversation.
The top of the lineup showed its resilience as well.
At the No. 1 pair, Samantha Torres and Emilee Casey pushed their match to the brink in a dramatic three-set battle. After falling 19-21 in the opening set, the duo answered with a clutch 24-22 second-set victory before narrowly dropping the decider 13-15. Every point felt like a tug of war with the rope fraying in the middle.
The No. 2 pair of Tara Bennett and Ashlyn Kelly followed a similar script. They battled through a tight 18-21 first set, responded with a determined 22-20 win in set two, and forced a third before falling 8-15. The competitiveness at the top courts showed the program's potential, even if the final team results did not swing in Howard Payne's favor.
For a first weekend, it was less about record and more about revelation. The Lady Jackets proved they can compete with elite programs. They proved they can finish. And they proved that this is not simply a new team, but a growing one.
The next chapter will unfold at home.
Howard Payne will host its first ever beach volleyball event on Saturday, February 28, welcoming Schreiner University for a doubleheader scrimmage. Another first. Another line of history waiting to be written.
The sand in Belton may have brushed away with the wind, but the first win, especially against a top 10 opponent, is firmly set in stone.
