(Walnut, CA) After a successful summer of training, the Mt. SAC Women's Volleyball Team is excited to finally get started with this season. "We are excited to begin the 2018 season," Mt. SAC third-year Volleyball coach Ali Carey-Oliver said.
"I can't wait to see what this squad can do. Our summer training has been energized and competitive and the team is ready to get going against Grossmont and Fullerton.
"We see a ton of potential in our new players and are impressed with the growth from our returners."
The Mounties feature six returners, four red-shirt freshmen and nine true freshmen for the 2018 team.
Leading the way for the returners are two South Coast Conference, North first team players – Malia Carr (2017 Libero of the Year) and 'small but mighty' Brianda Valdez, who had a great freshman season as a setter.
Sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter Shaianne Palos was second team SCC, North. She made huge improvements after playing beach volleyball this past season. Palos made the move to outside hitter this season, she has increased her strength and her vertical jumping.
Sophomore Lindsey Lane was also chosen to the SCC second team.
The remaining two sophomores are Alysha Tullar (OH) and Kierra Coatney (OPP/S). Tullar also played beach volleyball for Mt. SAC last season and looks to take a leadership role.
Four players that were red shirts last year are freshmen: Kristi Mertins (MB), who is also playing goalie for the water polo team this season, Ashly Velazquez (OPP/S), Natalya Fajardo (DS) and Alyssa Bloomfield (DS).
The nine true freshmen are: Jessie Morse (OH/OPP), who will contribute right away, with a high leap and heavy arm. She was named to the Palomares League first team.
Second is Jocelyn Portillo (OH) from Duarte High School, who was All-CIF first team, Montview League MVP and was The Tribune All-Area Player of the Year. Portillo has high energy and will contribute physically as well as emotionally to this years squad.
Also from Duarte is Montview League first team player Macy Barnes (OH), who was also chosen to The Tribune All-Area first team. She is a great leader and a sneaky, but effective attacker, who will contribute right away.
Middle blockers Ashlyn Stoddard of Brea Olinda and Aya Al-Juraishi of Walnut were honorable mention in the North Hills and Hacienda Leagues, respectively.
Selena Chen (L/S), from Walnut also, was a Hacienda League first team and is a very spirited player and outstanding student.
Janderi Ceja (OPP/S), from Los Altos, moved here two years ago from Mexico. She is an excellent all-around player, who we will look to as a secondary setter.
Kristina Esguerra (S) is from Nogales, and was an Honorable Mention choice in the Montview League and is training behind Valdez.
Alexys Mendoza (DS/L) graduated from South Hills, is quick and agile, has a great attitude and has a background in beach volleyball.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.