TOKYO, Japan — Collegiate beach volleyball hasn't even been around for a decade. But that hasn't stopped it from being a wildly popular Olympic event -- and one with an Arizona connection.
Phoenix native Sarah Sponcil (pictured below on the right) is playing for the U.S. team after winning back-to-back NCAA championships from UCLA.
Sponcil and her partner, Kelly Claes picked up the last six points of the third set to triumph over Graudina and Anastasija Kravcenoka.
The duo will be back in action on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Arizona time against Kenya.
For more information about Sponcil or other Olympic athletes from Arizona, visit Medals, heartbreaks and more: Keep up with the Olympic athletes from Arizona.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
