Brazilians Costa and Martins Off to a Blazing Start

Stetson Pair Is 9-0 Through Two Weeks

It wasn't too long ago that Ana Costa and Kyce Martins were rivals on the beach volleyball court. The two native Brazilians grew up in different states, and as a result, they would often square off against each other in the semifinals and finals of various U19 and U21 tournaments. The rivalry was so intense, they made it a point to not even talk to each other.

"It wasn't until we both went to the same JUCO that we first started talking," Costa said, referring their time at St. Petersburg College. "Then this past year we played the entire season together in Brazil."

Now, the two Stetson teammates are tearing it up on the NCAA circuit, going a perfect 9-0 at the No. 1 and No. 2 pair positions through the first two weeks of the season.

"I would like it more if our team was 9-0, too, but I am happy that we are a consistent team, and coach knows she can count on us," Costa said.

The pair says their experience playing together, their similar style of play, and perhaps ironically, their ability to communicate have helped them get off to a good start. Included in their nine wins are victories over pairs from five ranked opponents, including No. 2 Florida State and No. 7 Cal Poly.

"They have done a great job," Stetson head coach Kristina Hernandez said. "They are very obviously a very consistent pair. They know how to win, which obviously is a good thing, but I think they are two players that know how to communicate with each other. They can make adjustments really quickly in matches regardless of who gets served, which makes it difficult for any opponent to play them."

The pair's undefeated record was in serious jeopardy last Friday afternoon in a match against their former school, St. Petersburg. After taking the first set 21-12, Costa and Martins dropped the second set 21-18 and trailed 14-11 in the third set. Facing three straight match points, the duo went on a game-winning 5-0 run to keep their unblemished record intact.

"We don't like to lose," Martins said with a smile.

"I think that match they had against St. Pete was a perfect example of how they just know how to make those big plays at the end and how to pull out wins," Hernandez said. "They are solid for us up top along with Carly and Sunni, which is a great thing to have. We just have to make sure we have consistency throughout the lineup."

The next challenge for Costa, Martins and the 10th-ranked Hatters (6-3) will come this weekend when Stetson travels to California for five straight matches against ranked opponents. The Hatters will face #14 Long Beach State and #9 Pepperdine on Saturday at Zuma Beach in Malibu, and Stetson will meet #15 South Carolina, #14 Long Beach State again, and #8 Loyola Marymount Sunday at Ocean Park Courts in Santa Monica.

"I am so excited to play there, because we will face a lot of big teams," Martins said. "I want to know if Ana and I are capable."

"People can say that we are 9-0, but we haven't played those teams yet," Costa said. "Now it's time to face it. I am also excited for the team because now it is our opportunity to prove that we are able to make it to nationals again. That's our main focus, and these are the opportunities we are waiting for, so I am really excited to see how we are going to perform as a team."

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Ana Costa: 5' 9"; Junior

#21 Kyce Martins: 5' 11"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#1 Ana Costa
: 5' 9"; Junior

#21 Kyce Martins
: 5' 11"; Sophomore

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Brazilians Costa and Martins Off to a Blazing Start

Stetson Pair Is 9-0 Through Two Weeks

Players Mentioned

#1 Ana Costa

#21 Kyce Martins

Players Mentioned

#1 Ana Costa

#21 Kyce Martins