Flyers Close Season at NJCAA National Tournament, Reflect on Growth and Legacy

The Sandhills Community College Flyers wrapped up their 2026 beach volleyball season on the national stage, competing against top programs in the country at the NJCAA Beach Volleyball National Tournament. The final match marked the end of an era for a group of sophomores who helped elevate the program to new heights.

In their final dual, the Flyers fell to Trinidad State College 4-1. Sandhills earned its point on court four, where the sophomore pair of Jacque Holden and Reagan Smith closed their careers with a 21-11, 21-15 victory. The duo finished the season on a three-match winning streak, including a pair of wins over Richard Bland College and Trinidad State.

Court five featured one of the closest matches of the dual, as Averi Cuddeback and Nevaeh Ross battled through three sets, winning the opening set 23-21 before falling 17-21, 13-15. Trinidad State secured the remaining courts in straight sets.

The match marked the final appearance in a Flyers uniform for sophomores Katelyn Bunting, Jacque Holden, Reagan Smith, and Kennedy Koziarz. This group helped lead Sandhills to three consecutive NJCAA National Tournament appearances, finishing as Region 10 runner-up in each of those seasons.

NJCAA Championship Recap

The Flyers finished 7th overall in a highly competitive field, ending pool play in a three-way tie for 4th after facing the tournament's top four seeds.

A highlight of the week came in a 3-2 victory over fourth-seeded Richard Bland College, avenging the Flyers' Region 10 Championship loss. The deciding point came on court one, where freshman pair Olivia Rosy and Elizabeth Bryson delivered under pressure to clinch the dual.

Sandhills later dropped a narrow 3-2 match to Richard Bland in the consolation bracket before closing the tournament against Trinidad State.

Rosy and Bryson consistently challenged some of the top pairs in the country, while Holden and Smith ended their careers with three straight wins, including back-to-back victories over Richard Bland's fourth pair.

Spring 2026 Recap

The 2026 season showcased the continued growth of the Flyers, driven by a mix of eight beach-only players and 13 indoor athletes who transitioned to the sand in the spring.

That growth began in the fall, when Sandhills hosted its first-ever beach volleyball alumni match and competed in three scrimmage dates against Gaston College and Wingate University. In the spring, the Flyers opened with 10 straight matches against NCAA Division II and III competition, preparing them for a demanding schedule.

Over spring break, the Flyers traveled to Florida and split a pair of matches against Region 8 opponents, highlighted by a win over Florida State College at Jacksonville. In Region 10 play, the Flyers posted an 9-5 record, with the second pair of Katelyn Bunting and Reagan Malpass leading the way at 12-2.

Balancing academics and athletics is a key part of the student-athlete experience. Especially when playing two seasons over the course of a year.

"It is challenging to balance my school and sports life," said Bunting. "It definitely takes more effort to stay on top of both, but it is completely worth it." I hope to leave a positive impact on Sandhills in the sense that girls feel like playing is something they want to do, not something they're forced to."

Freshman Jaselyn Fink reflected on her transition to the beach game.

"Coming into Sandhills as a first-time beach player, the biggest transition was adjusting to only having one partner and always communicating," Fink said. "Some highlights for me were getting into the lineup, moving up, and playing with my best friend."

Building a Program

Under head coach Alicia Riggan, the Flyers have built a strong culture that continues to drive the program forward.

"I take a lot of pride in what this beach volleyball program has become," Riggan said. "We've gone from building a foundation to creating a culture built on accountability, competitiveness, and love for the game."

"This spring, having our largest team yet with 21 players speaks to that growth," she added. "What made this group special was their willingness to buy in and push each other every single day."

Riggan credited the sophomore class for setting the standard.

"They led with consistency, work ethic, and heart, and helped build something that will last," she said. "I'm also thankful for our coaching staff—we truly make the best team. Because of all of this, the future is in a really strong place."

Bunting echoed those thoughts stating that she "hoped to leave a positive impact on Sandhills in the sense that girls feel like playing both (indoor and beach) is something they want to do."

As the season comes to a close, the Flyers will celebrate their accomplishments at the third annual Marty's Gala on Friday night, May 9, recognizing achievements both on the court and in the sand.