In just its second full season as a program, the No. 5-ranked Corban University beach volleyball team cemented its place in history, defeating No. 1-ranked Vanguard University in a five-match thriller to claim the first-ever NAIA Beach Volleyball National Invitational Championship, held in Panama City Beach, Florida.

“We knew we had to play our best today in order to win,” said head coach Diana Villalpando. “These girls have worked so incredibly hard this year and I’m so unbelievably proud of this team. We couldn’t have done this without every single member.”

The team returned home to a champions’ welcome, greeted by a crowd of students, faculty, and staff, all gathered at C.E. Jeffers Sports Center to wave signs and celebrate their historic accomplishment.