TUCSON, Ariz. – The Missouri State beach volleyball team wrapped up its final regular-season road trip here Saturday afternoon, falling in closely-contested matches to UTEP and Santa Clara. 

The Bears began day two of the Wildcat Spring Challenge with a narrow, 3-2, loss to the Miners before ending the day in a 4-1 deficit to Santa Clara to move to 8-11 on the season. 

Flights three and four garnered wins in the Bears' first dual of the day, with the fifth pair battling to a third set before ultimately falling. Representing the Bears in flight three, Olivia Rattler and Brooke Plessner earned a win on the day, muscling out a three-set nailbiter (14-21, 21-17, 15-10) against UTEP's Aaliyah and Savannah Marenco.  

Manuela Niemeyer and MacKenzie Steelewere also victorious for the Bears in flight four, defeating Serena Patterson and Mia Bella Ruiz, 21-10, 24-22. 

Playing in flight five, Addison Crider and Riley Drew came up short against the Miners, falling in a three-set battle (21-23, 21-18, 15-9). 

Against Santa Clara, the Bears earned a win in the second position, as Grayson Hall and Tylar Garrett made quick work of their opponent with a 21-15, 21-16 victory. 

The Bears return to their home court next weekend to wrap up the team's regular season with a dual against Southwest Baptist on Senior Day. The matches against the Bearcats will begin at 11 a.m. and be played at the Betty & Bobby Allison Sand Volleyball Courts.  

Results 
UTEP 3, Missouri State 2 
1. Krista Paegle and Katie Martin (UTEP) def. Becca Bach and Olivia Muriel (MSU) 21-14 21-17
2. Ema Uskokovic and Sara Pustahija (UTEP) def. Grayson Hall and Tylar Garrett (MSU) 21-19 21-16  
3. Olivia Rattler and Brooke Plessner (MSU) def. Aaliyah Austin and Savannah Marenco (UTEP) 14-21 21-17 15-10  
4. Manuela Niemeyer and MacKenzie Steele (MSU) def. Serena Patterson and Mia Bella Ruiz (UTEP) 21-10 24-22  
5. Madison Hill and Marian Ovalle (UTEP) def. Riley Drew and Addison Crider (MSU) 21-23 21-18 15-9 

Santa Clara 4, Missouri State 1 
1. Alexia Gallegos and Julia Sangiacomo (SCU) def. Becca Bach and Olivia Muriel (MSU) 21-19 21-18  
2. Grayson Hall and Tylar Garrett (MSU) def. Casey Campbell and Elena Radeff (SCU) 21-15 21-16  
3. Kate Kishton and Ella Duffner (SCU) def. Olivia Rattler and Brooke Plessner (MSU) 21-13 21-16  
4. Jordan Bennett and Claire Doud (SCU) def. Manuela Niemeyer and MacKenzie Steele (MSU) 21-14 21-18  
5. Alexie Epstein and Hailey Benesz (SCU) def. Riley Drew and Claudia Wala (MSU) 21-18 16-21 15-9 

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