Birmingham, AL, October 20, 2025
News Summary
The Tulane University beach volleyball team kicked off their fall season successfully at a pairs tournament hosted by UAB. Competing in over 14 matches, the team secured more than 10 wins against UAB and Chattanooga. Key performances from players like Tawny Ensign and Amirah Ali highlighted their skill and teamwork. The team’s preparation since August reflected in their strong showing as they aim for continued success in future tournaments.
Tulane Beach Volleyball Team Kicks Off Fall Season with Successful Performance at UAB Pairs Tournament
Birmingham, AL – Tulane University’s beach volleyball team commenced its fall season with a strong showing at a pairs tournament hosted by UAB on October 18, 2025. The team participated in over 14 matches that day, securing more than 10 wins throughout the tournament against two other competing teams: UAB and Chattanooga.
The tournament was organized into five pools of action, featuring two pools with five pairings and three pools with four pairings. The performance displayed by the Tulane team highlights their preparation and development since they began training in August.
Team Highlights and Individual Achievements
Head coach Eyal Zimet noted the significance of competitive play in developing team chemistry and trust. The unofficial statistical leaders for Tulane were key to their success, with standout performances from several players. Tawny Ensign led the team with over 32 kills and 38 digs. Amirah Ali approached 30 kills, contributing at least 26 digs, and excelled as the team’s top server, achieving double-digit aces.
Other notable performances included Gigi Gallegos and Lauren Mann, both of whom recorded over 20 digs and kills. Molly Trodd delivered a significant match against Chattanooga, achieving 21 kills and 19 digs. Mann also had exceptional outings with 12 and 13 kills, while Gallegos registered games with 13 digs and 11 kills against UAB and Chattanooga. In one standout match against Chattanooga, Ali made significant contributions with a team-high of seven aces along with 14 kills.
Tawny Ensign put up an impressive performance with 15 digs and 16 kills, while her sister Skylar Ensign also shined with a high of 16 kills. As the team looks forward to future challenges, their next event is scheduled for the Huntsville Qualifier in Huntsville, Alabama, on October 25-26, 2025.
Event Context
The fall tournament provided Tulane’s beach volleyball team an opportunity to gain competitive experience early in the season. With a focus on building teamwork and resilience, the team’s positive outcomes from the tournament set a promising tone for the upcoming matches. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of these experiences in shaping the players’ performances as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Overall, the Tulane beach volleyball team’s strong start at the UAB Pairs Tournament reflects their dedication and hard work leading up to the season. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, the players are expected to continue improving and building on their impressive performances during the tournament.
FAQs
When did the Tulane beach volleyball team open its fall season?
The Tulane beach volleyball team opened its fall season at a pairs tournament hosted by UAB on October 18, 2025.
How many matches did Tulane participate in at the UAB Pairs Tournament?
The team participated in over 14 matches on Saturday, achieving more than 10 wins throughout the tournament.
What were some individual achievements by Tulane players during the tournament?
Individual achievements included Tawny Ensign with over 32 kills and 38 digs, Amirah Ali approaching 30 kills with at least 26 digs, and both Gigi Gallegos and Lauren Mann recording over 20 digs and kills.
What is the next event for the Tulane beach volleyball team?
Tulane’s next event is scheduled for the Huntsville Qualifier in Huntsville, Alabama, on October 25-26, 2025.
Key Features of the Tulane Beach Volleyball Tournament
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 18, 2025 |
| Participating Teams | Tulane, UAB, and Chattanooga |
| Matches Played | Over 14 matches with more than 10 wins |
| Next Event | Huntsville Qualifier, October 25-26, 2025 |
| Top Player Performance – Tawny Ensign | Over 32 kills and 38 digs |
| Top Player Performance – Amirah Ali | Approached 30 kills, at least 26 digs, and team’s top server with double-digit aces |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UAB Volleyball Announces 2025 Schedule with AAC Rivalries
Additional Resources
- Tulane Beach Volleyball Completes Fall Opener in Birmingham
- SI: Tulane Beach Volleyball Completes Fall Opener
- Tulane Suffers Sweep Against Blazers
- Tulane Men’s Tennis Announces Fall Schedule
- Google Search: Tulane Beach Volleyball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
