Athletes have a ball at the beach!

Ryan Deremer and Craig Lewis beat Deakin University 2-1 in their second game of beach volleyball on day one.

Deremer and Lewis, who displayed superior endurance, won the game through impressive third and fourth efforts to keep the ball alive. 

Monash and Deakin were evenly matched at the outset.

Both teams served well but most points were won at the net after several volleys. 

Both teams also showed a great ability to use all areas of the ground.

This and the unity of each team led to fluid play that was exciting to watch. 

It was only Monash, however, who kept their composure when mistakes were made in the decisive moments of the game. 

Deremer and Lewis paired up with Ariel Keir and Catherine Gallus only 20 minutes later to take on Australian National University. 

The team lost by just a point, but showed fantastic sportsmanship and team spirit throughout the match.