For two days, juniors Nicole Mattson and Katie Krawczyk played in the sand of Hermosa Beach, Calif., in the 2013 Junior Olympics for 16-and-under girls beach volleyball. Out of eight games, they were able to win three.

“Although I could have done better, I was happy with what I accomplished,” Mattson said.

To be qualified for beach volleyball in the Junior Olympics, the team has to either win first or second in an NCAA-approved tournament. Mattson and Krawczyk came in second place at the Orlando Volleyball Academy sponsored tournament on June 9.

Mattson and Krawczyk are on the varsity volleyball team, and although their beach career the past summer was successful, they both prefer indoor volleyball.

“Playing in the Junior Olympics was a great experience and a dream come true. I would definitely do it again next year if I was given the opportunity,” Mattson said.