Volleyball and men's soccer ready for competition in Alaska and Hawaii
Men's soccer faces Division II opponents in pre-season play in Hawaii as volleyball competes in an Alaska tournament.
- August 25, 2010
In preparation for the fall season, two Cal State East Bay sports teams will polish their skills and teamwork by competing in tournament and pre-season matches out of state.
Men’s soccer will play three NCAA Division II opponents in Oahu, Hawaii from Sept. 1 through 6. Volleyball will visit Fairbanks, Alaska from Sept. 1 through 5 to compete in the pre-season Nanook Classic tournament.
“This trip is a great opportunity to have a unique experience,” said Head Men’s Soccer Coach Andy Cumbo. “I’ll be thrilled and proud to represent East Bay. We’re going to let others know who we are.”
CSUEB’s men’s soccer has been improving season by season, Cumbo said. Last year the team moved up a division, facing stronger competition than in the past. In the coming season, the team welcomes players from several different regions including Utah and England.
“We have 21 new players this year, and they’re very competitive,” Cumbo said. “We have a lot of talent. I have a destination where I want these players to be.”
Sophomore Tyler Andersen, 19, is beginning the season with high expectations.
“So far the training has been intense,” Andersen said. “Everyone’s working hard. Going across state borders, we’re going to rep East Bay strong, and we should expect a winning season.”
The women’s volleyball team also is anticipating a promising season. The team will introduce four new players.
“Culturally, our athletes, trainer, and coaching staff will immerse ourselves into the heart of Alaska and get a true feel and appreciation for our nation’s ‘last frontier,’" said Jim Spagle, women’s volleyball coach.
Playing in four matches in Alaska within two weeks of beginning the season, the squad will have to learn to work together quickly, Spagle said. Competing against strong sides including Alaska Fairbanks, Bellarmine, and Charleston universities, also will challenge and strengthen the Pioneers.
Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach Kim Sordello, expressed high hopes for the tournament in Alaska.
“I want this group of 15 girls to become a team in a matter of four days,” Sordello said. “This trip will give us motivation to enter the conference and start with a couple wins under our belt.”
Returning player Roxy Neely, 20, a senior majoring in international studies, said this year’s team will put up a tough fight.
“Our team is a lot stronger,” Neely said. “We’re going to do great.”
As both sport teams fly out of state to represent CSUEB’s drive to win, challengers will be faced with well-trained and enthusiastic players. According to Dawn Ellerbe, assistant athletics director of marketing and promotion, playing in the pre-season tournaments will bring the teams together.
“Competing in different places in the U.S. helps bring recognition to CSUEB," Ellerbe said. “Experiences like these are nothing but positive for … our student athletes.”