Four-Peat: Statesmen Claim Fourth Straight Region 10 Championship
SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The Richard Bland College Beach Volleyball team continued its reign atop Region 10, capturing its fourth consecutive championship in dominant and dramatic fashion this weekend.
In the semifinal round, the Statesmen defeated Gaston College, 3-0. RBC's No. 2 and No. 4 pairs secured the decisive points, while the Rhinos forfeited at the No. 5 position to seal the sweep and send the Statesmen to the title match.
Championship play brought a thrilling showdown against Sandhills Community College, with RBC emerging victorious, 3-2, in a tightly contested battle. The Statesmen struck first as the No. 4 pair delivered a strong performance to give RBC a 1-0 advantage. Sandhills responded by taking the No. 2 flight, evening the score at 1-1. RBC regained control behind a dominant showing from the No. 3 pair, moving ahead 2-1. The Flyers answered once again, winning at the No. 5 position to tie the match at 2-2 and set up a decisive finish.
With the championship on the line, the No. 1 pair rose to the occasion. In a hard-fought, three-set battle, the Statesmen showcased their composure and resilience, securing the final point and clinching the 3-2 victory.
Adding to an already historic weekend, Taelin Connolley was named Region 10 Player of the Year, while head coach Jonathan Amaral earned Region 10 Coach of the Year honors.
Final match scores are below:
Match 1: Richard Bland vs. Gaston College: Statesmen won 3-0.
Pair 1: Taelin Connolley and Daniela Sardina - DNP
Pair 2: Gabrielle Meador and Rachel Pickens vs Brianna Krent and Raelyn Miller-Lawrence 22-20, 21-13.
Pair 3: Braelyn Boyd and Kristen Mathes - DNP
Pair 4: Rachelle Martin and Clara Coles vs Addie Abernethy and Angelina Diaz 21-12, 21-9.
Pair 5: Aliyah Millner and Kaylie Klemm – Gaston forfeit.
Match 2: Richard Bland vs. Sandhills Community College: Statesmen won 3-2.
Pair 1: Taelin Connolley and Daniela Sardina vs Brooke Emdre and Olivia Rosy 21-19, 17-21, and 15-9.
Pair 2: Gabrielle Meador and Rachel Pickens vs Katelyn Bunting and Reagan Malpass 21-12, 12-21, 11-15.
Pair 3: Braelyn Boyd and Kristen Mathes vs Taylor Miller and Jaselyn Fink 21-15, 21-6.
Pair 4: Rachelle Martin and Clara Coles vs Jacque Holden and Reagan Smith 22-20, 21-7.
Pair 5: Aliyah Millner and Kaylie Klemm vs Nevaeh Ross and Averi Cuddeback 20-22, 21-19, 13-15.
Richard Bland Beach Volleyball next sets their sight on the NJCAA National Championship Tournament in Huntsville, Alabama, April 30th-May 2nd. More information will be announced soon.
For the full schedule and updates throughout the season, visit https://www.rbcathletics.com/sports/beachvball/2025-26/schedule or follow @richard_bland_volleyball on social media.