Sand Volleyball Prepares for Santa Cruz Duals This Weekend
3/25/2015 12:00:00 AM | Beach Volleyball
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – The Cal Poly sand volleyball team travels north this weekend to participate in the Santa Cruz Duals with three matches scheduled for Saturday and a pair's tournament on Sunday at Main Beach. The Mustangs will open play at 9 a.m. on Saturday against host Santa Clara and 11 a.m. versus CAL.
Cal Poly joins five other teams in Santa Cruz, including Santa Clara and CAL, whom the Mustangs share Pool A with. Hawai'i, CSU Bakersfield and San Francisco comprise Pool B. Hawai'i enters the week ranked No. 2 nationally, while Santa Clara is currently ranked 15th in the most recent AVCA poll.
This LINK will provide updated match information at the end of play on Saturday.
The Mustangs are coming off a dual match loss to Arizona on March 14 in Pismo Beach during the first home match in program history. Cal Poly (0-3) head coach Sam Crosson feels the first three matches of the season afforded his group the opportunity to both learn and improve for this weekend in Santa Cruz.
"All of our three previous opponents presented different challenges for us," Crosson said. "We've shown tremendous progress in each of our teams that have competed for us so far this season."
The freshman tandem of Taylor Nelson (pictured) and Raeann Greisen have forced a third set at No. 1 in all three of their dual matches this season. Their competitiveness has been significant to the team's overall growth, which is something that has impressed Crosson and his staff.
"Raeann and Taylor possess a very high volleyball IQ on the sand," Crosson replied. "They both have the ability to make changes during a match. Holding the number one pairs position for us as freshman is very promising for our future."
Cal Poly junior Nicole Kessler and freshman Caihla Petiprin are 1-2 overall at the No. 2 position, including a straight set victory (21-12, 22-20) over CSU Bakersfield's pairing of Danika Youngblood and Sydney Haynes on March 7. Kessler and Petiprin also drew the praise of the third-year head coach.
"Nicole and Caihla have developed a great partnership on the sand this year," Crosson said. "Caihla is playing more at the net as a blocker and Nicole is using her impressive reading and defensive skills to pick up shots."
According to Crosson, Kessler also has the offensive capability to transition and score points as an attacker, which is something that makes the pair so difficult to play against.
The Cal Poly duo of sophomores Taylor Gruenewald and Anna Gorman are unbeaten (2-0) at the No. 4 position and 2-1 overall this season.
"As a program, we believe that in order to measure our improvements on the court, we want to be challenged in all of the matches that we play," Crosson added.
For information on Main Beach in Santa Cruz, use this LINK.
