Merritt Island High School's beach volleyball team advanced to the state tournament after defeating New Smyrna Beach 3-2 in the Class 2A regional final on May 5, 2026. The match, held at a local Brevard County beach venue, drew crowds of fans and families from both communities. The final set saw Merritt Island rally from a two-set deficit, with key plays from players like Amber Ives and Bella Becker.
Coaches from both teams described the match as one of the most competitive in the region this season. New Smyrna Beach's Bailey Jones and Teagan Lux fought aggressively throughout, but Merritt Island's defense held strong in the decisive fifth set. The winning team celebrated on the sand after the final point, with players hugging and high-fiving near the net.
The regional final marked the first time Merritt Island has reached the state tournament since 2022. Head coach Sarah Thompson said the team's preparation for the state semifinals begins immediately. 'We knew New Smyrna Beach would push us,' she said. 'Our focus now is on staying sharp and building on this win.'
New Smyrna Beach, which finished its season with a 14-5 record, will evaluate its roster for next season. 'We’re proud of how far we came,' said New Smyrna Beach coach Mark Reynolds. 'This team has a bright future, and we’ll be back stronger.' The state tournament is scheduled for June 10-12 at a coastal venue near Cocoa.