TicketsApril 30, 2009
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati volleyball team wrapped up its 2009 Spring season on Saturday, April 28, when it hosted Cleveland State, Maryland, Ohio, Xavier, and Youngstown State in its home tournament. The Bearcats finished the tournament with a 3-1 record, which included 2-0 wins over Maryland, Xavier, and Cleveland State.
Head coach Reed Sunahara was pleased with the way his team improved throughout the Spring.
"I was happy with the way we progressed and how we got better with the numbers we had," Sunahara said. "Collectively, we got better at defense and attacking, and I thought we were more aggressive in our serving."
With the Spring season complete, Sunahara and the Bearcats turn their focus to the 2009 volleyball season.
With the departure of five seniors, Sunahara will look to his eight returners, including 2008 second-team all-BIG EAST selection Annie Fesl and two-time all-conference honoree Stephanie Niemer, to lead the squad next season.
"Annie [Fesl] missed Spring practice with an injury last year and in her first Spring, I thought she did a good job for us. She got a lot of reps, learned her hitters, and had good tempo and location on her sets," Sunahara said.
"We have some great young players coming in this year to fill the void left by our five seniors. I look for Stephanie Niemer and Missy Harpenau to improve upon last year and step up for us in the fall."
The 2009 campaign begins August 28-29, 2009, at the Utah Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah. At the season-opening tournament, UC will face tournament host Utah, Arizona State, and UC-Riverside.