CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosted the Islander Classic on Friday at Water's Edge Park.
Islanders Beach Volleyball Head Coach Gayle Stammer said it is one of the biggest events they have and it is free to attend.
Several courts were set up as the teams battled the heavy winds, which Stammer said they are comfortable playing in. After two straight NCAA Tournament appearances, she said their recent success is helping bring teams like the University of Texas at Austin to town.
"That is a great thing. I mean, we do, what I try to do is grow the game, and one thing that is true when you build the game people will come," Stammer said.
The tournament continues on Saturday and the Islanders will face the Longhorns at 2 p.m. The Islanders will play the Longhorns again in Austin on April 13.
The Southland Conference Championships are after that in Houston from April 19-21. The NCAA Tournament begins on May 1.