Fresno State Athletics
`Dogs Impressive in Long Beach
4/5/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 5, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Head volleyball coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell was impressed with the Bulldogs play in their first-ever sand tournament. The `Dogs competed as three teams of two and one team of four at the USA Volleyball Collegiate Beach Challenge in Long Beach on Saturday.
Kasey Van Grow and Baylee Platt won their pool then finished fifth in the playoffs in the Gold Division out of 24 teams. They competed against teams from Pepperdine, Montana, Chico State, Cal State LA, Concordia-Irvine, Vanguard and Westmont.
Each team was place in a pool and the top two teams at the conclusion of pool play then advanced to the playoffs in their division.
"Kasey and Baylee played against some teams that are used to playing on the beach," Netherby-Sewell said. "So we were really happy about their performance since this was their first week on the beach."
Meghan Moss and Brianna Clarke finished second in the Silver Division while Allanah Munson and Lauren Berger finished third in the same division, respectively.
"Allanah and Lauren competed in the best pool in their division and did well against the top teams," said Netherby-Sewell.
The team of four, Kelly Leonardo, Kelly Mason, Lisa Gera and Lacey Gera, finished third in their division playoffs after winning the pool play.
"The team of four won their pool as well and beat the teams that finished first and second in the playoffs, so they did a great job as well," Netherby-Sewell said.
"I think this was one of the most beneficial tournaments I have ever taken a college team too," Netherby-Sewell said. "They learned such ball control within hours on the beach. It was very challenging but extremely rewarding because we saw them adapt and really start to understand the game a lot better."
The `Dogs have next week off for Spring Break will compete again in two weeks at a tournament at Cal State Northridge.
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