Volleyball Back in Action This Week
SAN LUIS OBISPO (September 8, 2021)— Cuesta Women's Volleyball returned to action on September 1 against Porterville. The Cougars and Pirates went only four games as Cuesta secured its home court with a victory. Coach Whitney Meyer (41-38/5th) says, "We have a lot of energy, we are hungry and excited to play. Our players are passionate about getting on the court and competing." The Spikers played an abbreviated seven game schedule last Spring and Meyer thinks those few opportunities to compete had a lasting impact as the players prepare for this season, "The ability to play (last spring) was a release valve on the stress. It helped us remember why we love the game. We took it one match at a time and valued each day in practice." The Cougars appear to be loaded with experience and talent as they prepare for a full season. They return only one true sophomore from 2019, but also return three other veterans from last spring's seven match season, as well as two sophomore transfers to go with a crop of nine newcomers. Coach Meyer says, "We are all grateful for the opportunity to play. I am reminded how much I enjoy the sport and working with the athletes. We look forward to a promising year." The Cougars split two matches in Salinas at the Hartnell Tournament last weekend and play two more games tonight in Visalia against host Sequoias and Modesto.
The Cougars were one of only six colleges in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) to compete last season. The Cougars 3-4 mark was the third best in the CCCAA. The Cougars kicked off the 2021 season at home with the Cuesta Classic Scrimmage Tournament on August 28.
Overview
Setters- Returning Freshman Kelsey Courtney (Cincinnati, OH) shall run the show for the Cougars this season. Courtney enjoyed a standout start to her collegiate career in the spring, albeit under difficult circumstances. She ran the Cougars' offense during their abbreviated seven match season in 2020-21. She dished out 223 assists to lead the team, while also finishing second with 70 digs and third on the team with 11 service aces. On March 22, Courtney was named the California Community College Women's Volleyball Coaches Association's (CCCWVCA) State Athlete of the Week after she orchestrated a pair of Cuesta victories over Antelope Valley. Freshman Setter Naomi Imamoto (Woodland Hills) is also expected to see a lot of floor time this year. Imamoto was Taft High's Team Captain and earned all-West Valley League First Team honors. Coach Meyer says, "She is ready to step in and we can run a 6-2 (two-setter formation).
Outside/Opposite Hitters- The Cougars have plenty of offensive power up front led by Returning Freshmen Christelle Mouret (Morro Bay HS) and Abby Luciano (Arroyo Grande HS) as well as, towering newcomer Whitney Thompson (Arroyo Grande HS). Mouret is ready to build on her impressive spring season. She finished 5th in the State with 3.6 points per set, while leading the Cougars with 16 service aces and finishing second on the team with 78 kills. Coach Meyer says, "Christelle has stepped up in a big way. She is focused with her eyes on the prize." Luciano can play anywhere up front and has a knack for always being in the right spot. Meyer says, "Abby is very coachable and a team player." Luciano landed 30 kills last season and was second on the team with 17 blocks, which were all solo stuffs. Thompson will draw a lot of attention at the net this year with both her quick lefty swing and her potential to shutdown opponents' offense with her block. Meyer says, "She is an explosive player and (after sitting out last season) is driven to play." Thompson has already made an impact at Cuesta, after earning ESPN1280 Cuesta Athlete of the Week honors after the first week of the season. The Cougars also expect multi-talented newcomers Brianna Burries (San Bernardino) and Teagan Bryant (Exeter HS) to make big contributions in the front row. Both players missed the opening match but should be in the rotation soon. Burries played water polo and basketball, as well as being the Team Captain and MVP of the volleyball team at Cajon HS. She also earned all-Citrus Belt League for the Cowboys. Bryant has spent the past two years as a Heptathlete for Vanguard University but has returned to volleyball. Meyer says, "She is a great athlete with lots of power"
Middle Blockers- The Cougars talented hitters will make things easier on their middles, however Morgan Krause (Santa Maria: Pioneer Valley HS) and Meredith Donovan (Templeton HS) provide the Cougars with a pair six-foot shot-stuffers to dissuade any would be attackers. Krause is a returning sophomore and earned a starting spot last spring. She led the Cougars in blocks (23) and was third on the team with 62 kills over the Cougars' seven match season. Coach Meyer says of the former all-Santa Barbara County selection, "She got stronger in the off-season. She has confidence on the court." Donovan, a former all-SLO County choice, has only played one of the Cougars' first three matches, however she posted five kills and blocked three shots in her debut against Folsom Lake.
Defensive Specialist- The backrow looks to be a strength for the Cougars. Coach Meyer noted, "We have quick momentum changers (on defense). We are thankful for our depth." Returning Freshman Riley Thompson (Atascadero: SLO Classical Acad) is set to take on the Libero position. She will be joined in the backrow by newcomers Mai Kiyama (Morro Bay HS), Sage Somma (SLO HS) and, Ashley Hale-Tignor (Red Bluff HS). Thompson redshirted in 2019 and played in all seven matches and 28 sets last spring, while collecting 41 digs during the abbreviated season. Coach Meyer says, "She is in third year and has grown as a Libero. She is a good communicator with the team and is looking smooth." Kiyama also opened some eyes in her first match with three backrow kills against Porterville. She was an all-Ocean League performer and two-time Ocean League Champion at Morro Bay High.
