MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State Athletics has reached a first-of-its-kind partnership with Fazoli's of Morehead to name the new campus beach volleyball facility Fazoli's Breadstick Beach.

The facility, the first NCAA Division I sanctioned beach volleyball courts in Kentucky, will host the first-ever NCAA beach volleyball match in the state on Monday, April 2 when Austin Peay visits for a pair of matches at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. ET.

"We value the partnership we have with Dan Markwell and John Collins and Fazoli's," said MSU Director of Athletics Brian Hutchinson. "Beach volleyball is one of the top emerging NCAA sports, and their commitment and partnership will help transform our facility into a first-class venue for our program to compete and train at."

"We are so proud to be able to partner with Dan Markwell and John Collins and Fazoli's," said MSU head coach Jaime Gordon. "Their commitment to enhancing our facility is a win-win situation for our program, our department and our community."

Markwell, Fazoli's owner, MSU alum and long-time supporter of Morehead State Athletics, is equally excited about the partnership.

"We are 100 percent committed to helping our community, and this is an excellent way for Fazoli's to continue our partnership with Morehead State Athletics," he said. "We look forward to many exciting events at Fazoli's Breadstick Beach. To have the first college beach volleyball facility in Kentucky is an exciting venture for MSU Athletics and the Morehead community."

Fazoli's Breadstick Beach, which features three courts, is located on the east end of campus, adjacent to the baseball facility (Allen Field) and just north of the EAGLE Center.

Morehead State alum Collins, a partner with Markwell, is also thrilled to be part of this agreement.

"As graduates of Morehead State University, Dan and I realize the important role MSU plays in shaping the future of our region. We are extremely proud to have this opportunity to partner with the University for the betterment of its students and our communities."

The facility features three NCAA-size courts, as well as an immense wooden deck for fans to watch matches. Just outside the facility is a hillside, which also provides great viewing opportunities for fans. Also at the facility will be a rinse shower and water bottle filling station.

"This partnership is another shining example between our community partners and athletics," said senior associate director of athletics Brad Smith. "We are thankful for Dan and John and appreciate their generosity".

Morehead State is in its second season of collegiate beach volleyball, having started the sport during the 2017 season. The Eagles recently added their first two beach-only student-athletes who will join the roster in 2019.

Beach volleyball is played with five pairs. Each pair plays a best two-of-three match with the first two sets going to 21 and the third going to 15. The team that claims wins in three out of five pairs matches wins the overall match.