COD Beach Volleyball Opens 2026 Season at Spartan Invitational

The College of the Desert beach volleyball team opened the 2026 campaign against strong competition at the Spartan Invitational, hosted by MiraCosta College in Oceanside. The Roadrunners finished the weekend 1–3, highlighted by a historic program win and multiple standout pair performances.

Program First Against Irvine Valley

COD earned a milestone victory Friday with a 3–2 win over Irvine Valley, the program's first-ever dual win against the Lasers. The Roadrunners secured the team victory with wins at the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 pairs.

Later in the day, COD faced NAIA opponent Arizona Christian University and fell 4–1, with the Roadrunners earning their point at the No. 1 position.

Strong Pool Play Earns Gold Bracket Spot

After splitting their two pool matches Friday, COD found itself in a three-way tie across the pools and earned a move up into the Gold Bracket for Saturday's championship round, placing the Roadrunners among the tournament's top teams.

Battling NAIA Power on Championship Saturday

Saturday opened with a semifinal matchup against another NAIA opponent, Hope International University. COD dropped the dual 4–1 but picked up a strong straight-set win at the No. 2 pair.

In the final match of the tournament, COD faced Orange Coast College in the Gold Bracket third-place dual. The Pirates earned a 4–1 team win, but the Roadrunners again secured a victory at the No. 2 position.

No. 2 Pair Leads the Way

Sophomore Jacqueline Leon (La Quinta HS) and freshman Sophia Kalepp (Palm Desert HS) were dominant Saturday at the No. 2 spot, winning both of their matches, including a victory over a top NAIA pair.

They followed Friday's strong showing from sophomore Clairie Thomas (La Quinta HS) and freshman Juliette Rothe (Palm Desert Xavier College Prep), who also won both of their matches and defeated a top NAIA pair.

Thriller at the Fours

One of the most exciting matches of the weekend came at the No. 4 position against Orange Coast. Freshmen Amber Kardol (Palm Desert HS) and Isabella Rosales (Indio Shadow Hills) pushed their opponents to a deciding third set before falling in a dramatic 16–14 finish.

While the Roadrunners finished 1–3 on the weekend, competing in the Gold Bracket against NAIA programs provided valuable early-season experience and a strong measuring stick as COD continues to build momentum in 2026.

Follow COD Athletics on Twitter @COD_Athletics Instagram @COD_Athletics or Facebook @College of the Desert Athletics

For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo Photography.