BVB | Gaels Quest for First WCC Title Falls Short in the Quarterfinals

Friday, April 24

Santa Monica, CA

11:00 AM

Saint Mary's College of California

Four-Seed Santa Clara

Photo by: WCC / Moira Sweeney

BVB | Gaels Quest for First WCC Title Falls Short in the Quarterfinals

4/24/2026 12:26:00 PM | Women's Beach Volleyball

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — After a promising start at the 2026 West Coast Conference Beach Volleyball Tournament, the three-seed Saint Mary's Gaels were upset by the four-seed Santa Clara Broncos, 3-1, bringing their tournament run to a close. The Gaels end their time at the conference tournament with an overall record of 26-12, a new program-record for wins, and will have to wait and see if their name is called for the NCAA Tournament.

After falling behind 1-0 to the Broncos, Hannah Couch and Isla Johnson put together a thrilling straight set victory, 21-19, 21-19 at the threes to put the Gaels on the board. The final three flights (2s, 4s, and 5s) all needed a bonus set to decide. Bella Reyes and Alisia Silverthorn battled valiantly to remain undefeated at the fours for the tournament, but fell in a narrow 15-13 set three decision. Simultaneously, Clarissa Klein and Angelina Bour dropped their match on the two court, as the fives would go unfinished with the Broncos seeing away the 3-1 victory.

The Gaels officially finish in fourth place in the WCC with the loss in the quarterfinals, with Santa Clara, Pepperdine and LMU guaranteeing the top three spots. The Gaels will have to wait until Selection Sunday (Sunday, April 26 at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT)) to hear if their season will be extended.

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