SEASON PREVIEW- WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

SEASON PREVIEW- WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Coming off a strong 2023 season that saw the Mustangs finish 5th at the state tournament and win the Big 8 Conference championship for the second year in a row, the expectations for this season are again high for a conference championship and a trip to the state tournament in pursuit of their first-ever state championship.  Last season the Mustangs finished 27-2 and 15-1 in conference.  Coach Molly Hummel welcomes back 7 sophomores from last years' team, as well as 8 new players.  Returning players include All-American and All-Conference setter Caprisa Brock, All-Conference opposite Naila Ia, All-Conference and State tournament libero Kyra Saiers, Delta Classic All-Tournament outside hitter Emily Vickers, middle blocker Soleil Sands, opposite McKi King and defensive specialist Annyssa Arroyo.  The new players this year include DS and setter Paige Taylor (Oakdale), MB Karlie Spencer (Oakdale), OH Chase Silva (Bret Harte), DS Cat Frias (Downey), MB Mariela Navarro (East Union), OH Louise Oliverra (Bear Creek), OH Michaela Singh (Manteca) and MB Mia Alomia (Sonora).    
 
Early season highlights include the first-ever Norcal v Socal tournament in Fresno on August 30-31.  The Mustangs will face off against 4 of the top teams from Southern California.  The Mustangs will host the Delta Classic on September 5-7.  The Classic is the state's largest and longest-running junior college volleyball tournament.  The tournament will feature 16 teams, including the top 8 teams in Northern California.  The Mustangs are the defending champions and hope to retain the tournament crown.  Big 8 Conference play will begin on September 20 with a home match against Diablo Valley College.  The Mustangs will open their season at Hartnell on August 23 when they play Hartnell and Solano.  
 
We hope to see you in the stands at the Marcopulos Gym this year, reminder admission is free to all home events.