Where to Watch Texas vs Loyola Marymount: Sam Gore and Nicole Branagh Call NCAA Beach Volleyball Quarterfinal on ESPN2

As the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship heats up in Gulf Shores, Alabama, beach volleyball fans across the UK and globally are gearing up for a thrilling quarterfinal clash between the No. 2 seed Texas Longhorns and Loyola Marymount Lions (LMU). Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at around 17:00 UK time, this high-stakes matchup promises edge-of-your-seat action on the sands of Gulf Place. While UK viewers won't find coverage on familiar channels like BBC, Sky Sports, ITV, or TNT, the match is broadcast live on ESPN2 in the US, with streaming available via the ESPN App and ESPN+ (subscription required, geo-restricted). International audiences can access the world feed through VPN services or official NCAA streams, making it accessible for British and global enthusiasts.

Leading the commentary booth is the experienced Sam Gore, a veteran play-by-play announcer renowned for his energetic calls in college volleyball. Gore has been a staple in ESPN's beach volleyball coverage, bringing decades of broadcasting expertise from his time covering indoor volleyball for networks like ESPN and NBC. Joining him as co-commentator is Nicole Branagh, a two-time Olympian and beach volleyball legend who won bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics partnering with Holly McPeak. Branagh's transition from player to pundit has been seamless; her sharp insights and insider knowledge elevate ESPN's broadcasts, drawing from her professional career on the AVP Tour and her coaching stints. On the reporting side, Dawn Davenport provides sideline updates. A former UCLA standout and AVP pro, Davenport brings authenticity with her four Olympic appearances and Hall of Fame induction, offering fans nuanced analysis from courtside.

The Texas Longhorns, seeded No. 2 overall, enter this quarterfinal after dominating No. 15 Georgia State in their opening round on Friday, May 1. With a stellar 26-6 record this season, Texas has showcased powerhouse performances, including earlier victories over No. 9 Cal and No. 7 LMU at the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic. Standouts like the Pavelkova sisters, Anna and Kacka, who delivered a swift 2-0 win (21-14, 21-12), and the clutch duo of Butler and Sonneville, who clinched a decisive third set 21-19, highlight Texas's depth across five courts. The Longhorns are chasing their first NCAA beach title, building on a strong programme history under coach Erin Moore.

Facing them are the battle-tested Loyola Marymount Lions, who advanced by overcoming TCU in the first round. LMU, a perennial contender with a recent national championship runner-up finish, holds a mixed history against Texas—winning their first meeting 3-2 but dropping the last three, including a March 13, 2026, encounter. The Lions' resilience was evident in their schedule, navigating tough MPSF competition. This rematch adds intrigue, as both teams vie for a semifinal spot on Sunday, May 3, with the championship match airing on ESPN.

Beach volleyball's unique five-court format means every dual point counts, with teams needing three court wins to claim victory. Texas's early-season triumphs over top foes position them as favourites, but LMU's experience in Gulf Shores—a venue synonymous with NCAA finals—could level the playing field. Fans can follow live scores and brackets on the official NCAA.com 2026 Beach Volleyball Bracket, ensuring no moment is missed.

For UK viewers, tuning in via ESPN+ requires a subscription and potentially a VPN to bypass geo-blocks, but the reward is world-class commentary from Gore, Branagh, and Davenport. This quarterfinal isn't just a game; it's a showcase of collegiate athleticism under the Alabama sun, blending power, precision, and passion. Whether you're a die-hard Longhorns supporter or an LMU loyalist, settle in for what could be the tournament's defining duel. Updates are also available via @TexasBeachVB on social media.

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Article generated: 2 May 2026, 17:03 GMT