TicketsAug. 18, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio---With the season-opener just a week away and two-a-day practices about to become but a memory, the University of Cincinnati volleyball team is nearing the end of its preseason training in anticipation of the 2006 opener. UC kicks off its campaign hosting the State Farm Bearcats Invitational presented by the Vernon Manor Hotel Aug. 25-27 in Fifth Third Arena.
With nearly two full weeks of practice in the books, seventh-year head coach Reed Sunahara is happy with what he has seen thus far. Despite a roster containing just 12 players, the Bearcats seem ready to challenge for the BIG EAST title in 2006.
"I've been very pleased with how practice has gone thus far," he said. "We are a little banged up and we need to get healthy. It's always a challenge trying to figure out how to balance practicing and getting people healthy. When the season starts, no one will care it we are hurt or healthy. We all have to give 110%."
On a squad that includes newcomers Jaime Frey, Katey Schroeder and Laurie Weber, Sunahara has seen a strong development of skills not only from the newcomers, but also the nine veterans he has back.
"From a technical standpoint, I feel like everyone, including the freshmen, are doing what they need to do," he stated. "All of our players' skills have gotten better and now we have to try and put it all together. Our goal is to put on a good show come Aug. 25."
In the final week of preseason preparation, the Bearcats will hold their final two-a-day on Saturday, culminating with an intra-squad scrimmage. After an off-day on Monday, UC will settle into its in-season practice schedule, working out from 3-6 p.m. daily.
The opening to this season will be a challenge as the Bearcats will face three quality opponents in Western Michigan, Maine and UCLA. Western Michigan has long been a contender in the Mid-American Conference and posted a 20-9 record last year. Maine is coming off an 11-12 campaign that saw the Black Bears go 8-4 in the America East Conference. UCLA is one the nation's elite programs and enters the season ranked 10th nationally in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.
Season tickets and Olympic Sports Passes for the upcoming seasons are now available by logging onto UC's official website, UCBearcats.com or by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX.