TAVARES, Fla. (April 22, 2023) - From the outset, the NJCAA's inaugural Beach Volleyball Championships had a distinct Florida flavor.

Not only was the three-day event held at Hickory Point Beach in Tavares, just minutes from Lake-Sumter State College, but four of the 12 participating teams hailed from the FCSAA - Lake-Sumter State, Palm Beach State College, State College of Florida and St. Johns River State College. 

When the sand settled on Saturday, it was top-seed Palm Beach State who hoisted the championship trophy, sweeping through the competition en route to the becoming the NJCAA's first-ever National Champion in the sport. 

The Panthers capped a perfect 6-0 tournament by defeating St. Johns River State, 3-0, in the championship match. 

The Vikings outlasted Lake-Sumter State in Saturday morning's semifinal, winning 3-2 in, arguable, the match of the tournament. The Lakehawks responded with a 3-1 win over South Mountain (Ariz.) College to give the FCSAA a 1-2-3 finish. 

State College of Florida finished 7th.

Palm Beach State's Angelina Bodolino and Lola Vidamour, previously named the FCSAA's Pair of the Year were named the NJCAA Pair of the Tournament as they, too, went undefeated in Tavares. 

Drew Colvin was named Coach of the Tournament and guided the Panthers to a 24-4 record this season.