By Edgar Uriostegui
Staff Writer
The Cal State Dominguez Hills women’s volleyball team began preseason matches Sept. 2 against Western New Mexico University in San Diego.
The volleyball team is led by Head Coach Jennifer Adeva, who enters her sixth season at the helm. Other members of the coaching staff include second-year Assistant Coach Chris Webb and fifth-year Assistant Coach Rick Arce.
“Our major goal is to practice the best we can practice each day,” Webb said. “And to have our players learn the fastest. If we have a great teaching environment and the student athletes come in ready to learn every single day, then I think that gives us a shot to be one of the best teams in the conference.”
“We’re starting practices with a little bit more experience both offensively and defensively. I think the rate at which we’re learning has accelerated a lot versus last year. So hopefully that translates into even more wins this year,” Webb said.
The 2015 season ended with an overall record of 10-18, a tremendous improvement from the 2014 season which ended with an overall record of 3-23. This upcoming season shows potential for the volleyball team, riding on some momentum from previous years.
“I’m most proud of last year’s leadership from our senior class and their ability to play with four to five freshman on the court and figure out a way to lead them to some victories. And there were new players to the program and they were able to teach them how to win. That’s what we’re more proud of, is that leadership and the willingness of the freshman class to learn fast,” Webb said.
Toros will play their first home game Thursday at the Torodome in the three day-long West Region Crossover tournament against University of Hawaii At Hilo at 7 p.m. Followed by the tournament’s next game Friday Sept. 9 at 2:30 p.m. against Seattle Pacific University. And finishing the third day of the tournament Saturday Sept. 10 against Montana State at 10 a.m. and finally against Azusa Pacific at 7 p.m.
Webb mentions that inspiring quotes and hard practice keep the Toros motivated.
“There are a lot of students that go out to our games, but we would always love to see more and more students. I believe there’s about 14,000 students on this campus. So, if we could pack the house in all of our home matches, that would be great. Come out and see us and it should be really exciting this year. And hopefully if we’re continuing to get some wins it could create a great experience for the students. Everyone loves winning,” Webb said.
Webb mentioned it would be nice to have all students come out at the beginning of the season to support the home games to create an exciting environment.
