Longhorns beach volleyball makes more history

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Whatever happened Friday in Gulf Shores, Alabama wouldn't change the fact the season has been a resounding success for Texas beach volleyball.

Another win for the Longhorns certainly didn't hurt the legacy of this remarkable season, though.

In the opening round of the 16-team NCAA Tournament, the Longhorns pulled out an emotional victory over tenth-ranked Cal. No. 7 Texas was making it's first appearance in the NCAA Championships as this is their first full season.

Facing dual point late against Cal, Texas kept their season alive with the four pairs of Macey Butler and Noa Sonneville coming back for a victory. That win evened things up at 2-2 and left it up to a decisive match with the two pairs.

In the third set, Katie Hashman and Emma Grace Robertson had a chance to send the Longhorns to next round. Hashman came in clutch with an ace to win it and a major celebration ensued.

The Longhorns advance to face the second-ranked team in the country in TCU. The Horned Frogs won the first matchup this year with Texas 4-1.

This matchup, with the winner heading to the national semifinals, is set to take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning.