Fresno State Athletics
Volleyball Finishes Spring Competitions Strong
4/25/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 25, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - The spring season for Fresno State volleyball is all about setting goals and improving both on the individual level and as a team. In the eight month span between completing the fall regular season in November and coming back together for training camp in August, the 'Dogs use the time to progress. The last five months have been put to good use and the Bulldogs showed just how far they have come in their final spring competition on Saturday.
The Bulldog volleyball team concluded their spring tournament schedule at home in the North Gym. The `Dogs took on teams from all over California including: San Francisco State, University of Pacific, Fresno Pacific and Cal Poly.
The tournament was formatted for teams to play each other at least once, playing two sets to 25 with a 60 minute time limit. The 'Dogs opened the morning against San Francisco State and started the day well, winning both sets in terms of points but more importantly showing strong improvements on the court.
The Bulldogs continued their day assertively, only splitting sets with Fresno Pacific and Cal Poly. But what was most impressive about the team was not the points that were scored or the fact that they never dropped more than one set to any team, what impressed the crowds and coaches was the effort and strides that were visibly made by the team.
"Today the team met their mission for the first time with a strong effort on the court culminated by months of bruising training," said head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell. "We won the point battle against all of our competitors and finally showed a bit of dominance at the end of the day."
Goals are crucial, especially when in spring competitions score and win-loss records are not the focus. With each new season the Bulldog volleyball team unites under a mission and set of goals.
"We accomplished one of our big goals, to be serving more than receiving or in other words, be in control of every match throughout the day, and we did that today!" said senior setter Kasey Van Grouw. "It was a really fun and competitive day. We played the best we have all spring."
Ambition and dominance was strongly shown on the court and the tone was set by the senior class. Van Grouw was one of those seniors who stood out as she stepped up into a familiar role from her past for the 'Dogs, playing all the way around as the setter.
Of her performance, Netherby-Sewell said, "Kasey did a great job for us today. She hasn't set in competition since 2008, but filled the role well and gave us composure so we could find some rythm."
Netherby-Sewell continued to praise the team and their efforts, highlighting what and who stood out to her.
"Cecilia Agraz and Taylor Horton really figured some things out as attackers," Netherby-Sewell added. "They looked assertive and in control at the net which was a remarkable improvement. Meghan Moss and Kelly Mason passed nails today, and more consistently than ever. Our ability to control heavy-hit balls was on target. I haven't seen that kind of defensive control and effort since my arrival. Boy, was it fun to watch!"
It was indeed a fun day as fans and parents watched the Bulldogs compete from 10:30 a.m. until close to 5 p.m. that evening. It was a great experience for all and enjoyable to see the progress the team has made.
Of this spring and the upcoming fall senior libero Mason said, "As a team we put in a lot of hard work and sweat into getting better and doing what works. Our defense, passing and serving game was definitely improved this spring and we need to continue on this path to success. I'm really excited for fall season because our team reached our goal this spring and if we can keep striving for more we can be a real threat to many teams next year."
Next year will indeed come quickly with only three months until the team reports for fall training camp in August. Now, with their spring competitions complete, the volleyball team will not stop. They have practice leading all the way up to finals week and will be in the gym working hard to continually improve. After a break for finals week the team receives optional summer workouts which includes rigorous speed and strength conditioning and of course playing volleyball.
"We are your team!" - Stay updated on gobulldogs.com for more information on the Bulldog volleyball team. Also check out the 2010 Volleyball Summer Camp and register today. For more information please call the camp line at (559) 278-5051 or e-mail Alanna Jackson at alannajackson@csufresno.edu.
