Lauren Massa talks tournament titles and CCAA play
Senior libero Lauren Massa took home Nanook Classic MVP and All-Tournament Team honors after helping East Bay take the title. (Photo: Ron Allen)
- September 9, 2010
Lauren Massa begins her fourth season as a libero for the Pioneer women's volleyball team. Last weekend, Lauren was named Most Valuable Player at the Nanook Classic in Fairbanks, Alaska, after helping the Pioneers go 3-0 to capture the tournament title.
With the CCAA season kicking off this weekend, Lauren took time out to talk to Cal State East Bay Athletics about the season so far and what the future holds for the 2010 Pioneer women's volleyball team.
Cal State East Bay Athletics: What are your thoughts on the tournament?
Lauren Massa: The tournament was a good start for us. As a team we played well. We showed great chemistry throughout the tournament. It was a fun trip. I was definitely happy with the results.
CSUEBA: Coming off the tournament victory and the win over Notre Dame de Namur, how do you think the team has been able to come together so early in the season?
LM: Our team has come together because we have a great group of girls who practice and play hard. We have a lot of talent on this team.
CSUEBA: How do you feel the team will do in its second season in the CCAA?
LM: With 11 returning players and four newcomers who have already made an impact, we can definitely compete in the CCAA. Our goal is to finish in the top three in the conference.
CSUEBA: As a senior, tell us about what you've seen in the transition from Division III to Division II.
LM: Division II volleyball is a lot more competitive. The intensity and level of play is much higher than Division III.
CSUEBA: What do you enjoy about playing at Cal State East Bay?
LM: We have a unique and great group of girls on this team. Practicing and playing with my teammates has been a fun and memorable experience.
Cal State East Bay Athletics also had an opportunity to talk with Pioneer Head Coach Jim Spagle about Massa and the start of CCAA play this weekend.
CSUEBA: What are you liking about Lauren Massa's play so far?
Jim Spagle: I'm proud of Lauren's accomplishments at the Alaska Tournament. She was exceptional on defense and ignited our offensive production in all three matches. Lauren has worked hard during the off seasonand it shows in her play. It's fun to watch her play defense and I'm happy about her success on the court. She's a great kid and deserves it.
CSUEBA: What are your thoughts as the team embarks on its second season in the CCAA this weekend?
JS: I'm pleased with the way we've played so far. We open CCAA play this weekend against one of the top teams in the conference in Sonoma State and the much-improved Humboldt State. With the experience and talent on this team, I feel that we'll be a force to be reckoned with in the conference.
The Pioneer volleyball team is 5-0 and will open CCAA play on Sept. 10 with a home match against Sonoma State before meeting Humboldt State on Saturday. The Seawolves are 3-1 on the season and received votes in the AVCA Division II Top 25 Poll this week, while the Jacks are looking for their first win of the year after going 0-4 last week. Both Friday night's CCAA opener and Saturday's matchup against HSU are set for 7 p.m. first serves in Pioneer Gym and live statistics available .