February 5, 2026

Carson-Newman Picked First in SACC Preseason Poll; Two Pairs Named to Watch List

Carson-Newman beach volleyball team was tabbed first in the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas preseason poll, the league announced Tuesday morning.

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman beach volleyball team was tabbed first in the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas preseason poll, the league announced Tuesday morning.

Coming off a historic 2025 season, where the Eagles went undefeated in SACC matchups, they secured the SACC championship trophy after beating Tusculum in a last-set nailbiter. Carson-Newman looks to continue its string of dominance heading into the start of the 2026 season.

"As most coaches would probably say, it doesn't mean a whole lot for this year because it's a reflection of what we did last year," said head coach Cat Collins. "We're excited to hold the standard that we set last year and do all we can to excel above that standard."

The Eagles earned four first-place votes and totaled 54 points to claim the top spot in the poll. Tusculum followed closely in second with one first-place vote and 49 points. Erskine and Emmanuel tied for third with 45 points apiece, with Erskine also receiving one first-place vote. Catawba placed fifth with 41 points, while Wingate rounded out the poll in sixth with 36 points.

C-N was also well represented in the conference's preseason "Pairs to Watch" list. Two Carson-Newman pairs were highlighted entering the season: Paige Halcrow and Trinity Hafey, along with Emerson Ahsmuhs and Ava Potts.

"This is Paige Halcrow and Ava Potts' senior year, so we are definitely looking for them to lead us in things related to volleyball, but also things off the court," said Collins. "Emerson Ahsmuhs is coming off a great indoor season, and she and Ava did really well together last year. Trinity was on our threes pair last year, but became one of our most consistent players. I'm excited to see the personality matches with those two pairs, but our pairs all the way down are very talented this year."

Several other SAC programs also placed multiple pairs on the watch list. Catawba features Emma Christensen and Marcella Hermont, as well as Sidney Kettelkamp and Emily Dudley. Emmanuel's pairs to watch include Faith Kelly and Leah Van WynGarden, along with Kaleigh Morawietz and MaisyBeth Farrow. Erskine is represented by Abby Platt and Reka Meilinger, and Elly Davis and Rinnah Roberts. Tusculum's featured pairs are Brynn Smith and Dasha Nikolaeva, plus Hannah Marsh and Sofia Vega Barrantes. Wingate rounds out the list with Amelia Talbott and Ella Harm, along with Lilou Thieme and Kate Beezer.

For updates throughout the week, follow @CN_Eagles on X and Instagram, or Carson-Newman Athletics on Facebook. Full coverage is also available at cneagles.com.

2026 SAC Beach Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll

Rank School (first place votes) Points

1. Carson-Newman (4) 54

2. Tusculum (1) 49

3t. Erskine (1) 45

3t. Emmanuel 45

5. Catawba 41

6. Wingate 36

2026 SAC Beach Volleyball Preseason Pairs to Watch

Carson-Newman: Paige Halcrow / Trinity Hafey, Emerson Ahsmuhs / Ava Potts

Catawba: Emma Christensen / Marcella Hermont, Sidney Kettelkamp / Emily Dudley

Emmanuel: Faith Kelly / Leah Van WynGarden, Kaleigh Morawietz / MaisyBeth Farrow