While everyone is geared up for spring sports such as baseball and softball, Cal State Fullerton women's volleyball is practicing hard for their upcoming fall season.
After ending the 2007 season 7-9 (15-15), the team is using their spring tournaments as a time to refine and develop their skills. They are practicing hard for their upcoming fall season, focusing on passing and ball control as well as a new blocking defense.
"We're trying new blocking things. We are swing blocking as a team," CSUF Head Coach Carolyn Zimmerman said.
The Titans were sixth in blocks in the Big West Conference last season, a statistic outside hitter Deven Bukoski said the team aims to improve.
"We are trying to learn swing blocking and get comfortable [with it]," Bukoski said.
By swing blocking, the Titans will be able to control outside serves with bigger and higher blocks.
"We have good chemistry right now," outside hitter Brittany Moore said.
Last season the team was plagued by injuries and the loss of two starting players.
The Titans are expected to be more competitive this season with eight returning players and eight new ones who are anticipated to make significant contributions.
"We already have a really strong team as a core," Genie Francisco, a CSUF setter said. "We're getting a lot of good freshmen and a couple good transfers and so, by that side, everything will be really strong."
Even though the Titans will be a young team, the energy from the few upper classmen should be great.
Players such as Moore - who averages 5.29 points and 4.58 kills a game for her career and was selected to the All-American first team in 2006 and 2007 - are expected to lead the team to a strong season.
"Brittany is certainly some firepower we will rely on," Zimmerman said. "She has a chance to repeat first team All-American."
With new blocking and new players, the Titans hope to bring all the elements together in time for the start of the new season.
"My expectations are that we are going to be competitive and that we are going to establish a new team identity," Zimmerman said.
"The things we have been working on for the last fives weeks- we are going to bring those to the floor."
The Titans will play their last spring tournament on April 26 at Loyola Marymount.
