Huntsville, Ala. - Georgia State beach volleyball team (23-12) surpassed No. 12 FIU, 4-1, on Saturday at the John Hunt Sand Volleyball Complex in the second round of the CCSA Tournament to advance to Sunday's championship.

The predicted rain and thunderstorms held off during today's afternoon matchup against the Panthers of FIU. This marked the first meeting between the two squads of 2021. GSU would jump to a quick lead, taking the first set on each court except one, just as the team did yesterday. 

Kate Novack and Kelly Dorn found the first point of the day for the blue and white with a 21-16, 21-17 win on the second court. Moments later Angel Ferary and Bella Ferary would extend the GSU lead with a 21-15, 21-14 victory in the fifth position. 

After trailing early in the first set, Maddie Gordon and Meagan McCall settled into the moment to make a comeback and win the first frame 23-21. The pair did not slow down taking the second set 21-12 to clinch Georgia State's spot in the championship. 

FIU would not go down easily, as they bested Eden Hawes and Maddy Delmonte on the top court to find their lone point of the day. On the third and final court, play remained competitive as Olivia Stasevich and Mattie Johnson found themselves down at triple match point in the third and deciding frame. The pair utilized aggressive serving and poise to push past FIU, 19-17, to add to the GSU point total. 

This marks the only match of Saturday for the top-seeded Sandy Panthers. GSU will either face No. 12 FIU or No. 14 FAU in tomorrow's championship match. Fans can follow along via live streaming. During this year's CCSA tournament the 14 member schools have been divided into two groups. Georgia State has competed as part of the Blue Group with ULM, Southern Miss, UAB, FIU, and FAU.

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