Chavez Signs With GCU
Grand Canyon University adds versatile T-Bird
Two-year Mesa volleyballer Sonya Chavez is on her way to Grand Canyon University.
Chavez, a starting setter, will be an immediate contributor to the GCU squad.
2008 Season Recruiting Underway
Coach Salinas has already started putting her squad together for the upcoming season.
The women's volleyball program is looking for just a few more players to finalize next year's team.
If you are interested AND capable of playing volleyball at this level contact Coach Salinas at 480.461.7070 or email at
KuuleiSalinas@aol.com to arrange a try-out date.
Former Volleyballer Ramirez To Play In Israel For Athletes In Action
Faith-based organization spreads the love of Christ through sport
Sara Ramirez played volleyball for Mesa Community College in 2006 and is now one of 12 women chosen across the country to participate in the Athletes In Action Volleyball Tour in Israel during June and July of 2008.
Athletes In Action is an organization affiliated with sharing the Christian faith amongst athletes and coaches around the world and deepening relationships. They have been using sports to spread the Word for over 40 years.
"Everything I put my hands to, I want to glorify His name. God gave me a gift to play volleyball and the opportunity to utilize my talent in the Holy Land is an honor," says Ramirez.
Their mission is to engage athletes with the love of Christ and have at least one follower on every professional team around the world.
A once in a lifetime opportunity for those involved, Sara has been supported by numerous Mesa Community College and South Mountain Community College staff and faculty.
"I've always wanted to go on a mission trip. Two of my loves in life have been serving Jesus and playing volleyball," says Ramirez.
Sara competed as a freshman in college at Mesa under Coach Ku Salinas and then transferred to South Mountain Community College under Coach Pat Mooney, where she received team player of the year honors. That team was also selected the 2007-2008 Academic National Champions for tallying the highest GPA amongst junior colleges across the country. Ramirez is now finishing her general studies at MCC prior to embarking on her trip to Israel.
"It's a joy to be able to minister to people, and Athletes In Action affords me the ability to share God's love, and play the game that I love," she says.
Her tentative plans are to attend ASU and study kinesiology; however, the opportunities associated with Athletes In Action may alter her life path.
Sara's faith has been an integral part of her life and this endeavor is another example of how she will share her faith.
"Volleyball is another tool that will allow me to continue to share my testimony in Israel. Jesus is my top priority and my relationship with Him is ever present. This opportunity is a tremendous blessing," says Ramirez.
October 7, 2007 Team Stat Update
Team Rankings:
9th place of 10 teams
6th in Region DII
Individual Rankings:
Digs:
- Nicole Serrano - 305 in 65 games (4th in ACCAC)
Assists:
- Sonya Chavez - 527 in 66 games (6th in ACCAC)
Hitting Percentage Setters:
- Sonya Chavez - 55 kills to 25 errors (20% is 7th in ACCAC)
Second Night of Back-To-Back Too Much
MCC falls in four to Glendale
One night after beating Pima in straight sets, MCC showed their second-night weary side, losing to the Lady Gauchos in four sets Wednesday.
Game two is when the energy began to noticably lag. After losing game one 30-23, the ladies never got close in game two. The final was 30-11.
Then, out of nowhere, the ladies got their second wind and surged to a victory in game three, 30-26. The game witnessed some stellar play from all of the players. Tommyka Henry had a vicious putaway after she and Kim Schroeder combined on a beautiful block at the net. Another play saw Jessie Listar- Guest slam one for a kill to put MCC up by three, 19-16.
Game four went back and forth with 14 different lead changes. In the end, it would be Glendale hanging on 30-25 to win the match.
The ladies, now 2-3 overall, will travel to Thatcher this weekend for the Eastern Arizona Tournament. The event takes place Friday (Sept. 7) and Saturday (Sept. 8) all day.
Eastern AZ Rallies Over MCC
T'Birds lose two tight games, then match
Much of the momentum was taken out of the T'Bird's sails going into the third game. After running off five straight points to begin the match, MCC allowed the Lady Monsters to hang around.
Hand around they did, winning the first two games by a total of 4 points. Game one, 30-28. Game two, 32-30.
"We just let them back in after starting out so strong," said Coach Salinas.
The third game wasn't nearly as close; understandably so, after losing two games by such narrow margins. The final in the third game was 30-19.
"We are still looking for our chemistry...but it will come. These girls are all really good," said Salinas.
Next up for the Lady T'Birds is a hectic week starting off with a match on the road in Tucson against Pima on Tuesday, September 4. The following day they will be back home to square off with Glendale CC. Both games are at 7:00 p.m. Over next weekend, the team will travel to Thatcher for tournament play in the Eastern Arizona College Tournament.
Game Two A Different Story
South Mountain falls to MCC in four
The Lady T'Birds evened their record a 1-1 with some stellar play against the Cougars of South Mountain Community College Wednesday night in Mesa.
"I attribute our winning to our defense. Then we had our hitters putting them away," said Coach Ku Salinas.
Mesa won the first game 30-26, but lost the second 30-28. The turning point came in game 3, which Mesa won, 30-18. A twelve-point drubbing was too much for the Cougars and Mesa won the fourth game as well, 30-24.
"All the players played together tonight but if one player stood out, I'd have to say it was Jenn Nunez. She wouldn't let anything hit the ground," said Salinas.
The Lady T'Birds host Eastern Arizona on Friday, August 31at 7:00 p.m.
First Game Jitters For Volleyballers
T'Birds lose to Chandler-Gilbert
The volleyball team began their season Friday night August 24 on the road against Chander-Gilbert. The outcome was not what Coach Ku Salinas was looking for, but it was only the first game of a long season.
"I think there were some first-game nerves," said Salinas.
The Lady T'Birds lost 30-13, 30-18, and 30-26.
"We started playing much better in the third game but by then it was too late. When you lose the first two games in a volleyball match, it is very difficult to overcome that," said Salinas.
One nice thing about a loss is the fact that there is not much time to dwell on the game. A home opener is in the offing for the team on Wednesday, August 29 against the Cougars of South Mountain Community College. The game is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start as the ladies look to bounce back on their home court.
2007 Season Outlook
Fundraisers and hard work gear team up for 2007
The 2007 MCC volleyball team is shaping up rather nicely after three tryout sessions. With a nice combination of returning sophomores and incoming freshman, Coach Salinas is excited about the upcoming year.
"We have very high expectations for this upcoming season. We have five outstanding incoming freshmen we have recruited, plus a couple of transfer students to go along with our sophomore leadership," said Coach Ku Salinas.
The coach also said they now have more all-around players and that everyone is in weight training and playing volleyball all year around.
"The girls really understand the importance of sacrifice, hard work, and dedication, and are willing to do whatever it will take to have a winning season," said Salinas.
The girls are not only excelling on the court, but also in the classroom. The team has a cumulative GPA of 3.35, with three Presidential Scholarship recipients, and two athletes recognized for the remarkable acheivements at the MCC Athletic Banquet. There are also two dual-sport athleteson the team, one playing tennis and the other a hurdler on the track & field squad.
Returning Sophomores:
Alana Shelley- OH (Red Mountain HS)
Jae Sevy- OH (Mesquite HS)
Mandy Gibbons- MB (Mountain View HS)
Nikki Serrano- DS (Fountain Hills HS)
Sonya Chavez- Setter (Tempe HS)
Transfer Students:
Haley Noble- OH (from Taft Community College)
Chelsea Montgomery- MB (from Eastern Arizona College)
Kimberley Schroeder -OH (from Mesa State)
Incoming Freshman:
Jennifer Nunez- DS (Buckeye HS)
Jessie Listar-Guest- OH (Sunnyslope HS)
Tommyka Henry - MB (Alhambra HS)
Toe'umu Tafuna- OH (Mesa HS)
Sarah Christianson- Setter (Sanger, CA HS)
Stephanie Hartman- OH (Westwood HS)
Lu'au in the Offing as Fundraising Event for Team...
On July 21 at 5:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m.. at South Valley Junior High, Coach Salinas is putting on a Lu'au to benefit the volleyball players. Proceeds will go towards tuition, books, and other operating costs. See flyer below for address and further information...
Lu'au Benefit Flyer
Team to Host Co-Ed Tournament as Fundraiser...
Coaches Ku Salinas and Pele Baker are preparing for a co-ed tournament on Thursday, July 12. Cost is $10 per person or $60 per team. Sign-ups are at 2:00 p.m. sharp as play begins promptly at 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Coach Baker at 480-461-7070.
Tournament Flyer
Volleyball Camp changed to Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 3:30 p.m.
The cost of the camp is $25 if registered by June 18. The cost is $50 thereafter. Ages 9-18 are welcome to participate. Parents must be in attendance to sign waiver. Please contact Coach Ku Salinas for further information at 480-461-7070.
Recap of the 2006 Volleyball Season...
Last year was the first year coaching at Mesa along for Ku'ulei Salinas and her coaching staff; Pele Baker and Berta Downey. Berta Downey has 15 years of experience coaching girls with ages ranging from Jr High to College. Pele Baker was an outstanding player at Eastern Arizona College, who's team finished 2nd in the 1992 NJCAA DI Volleyball National Tournament and she was named MVP of that tournament.
"It was a rebuilding year for us as we had an all freshman squad. We ended the season 6-12; picking up the majority of the wins in the second round of conference play. With no sophomore leadership on the court, the freshman had to dig deep and pull through," Coach Salinas said. " The girls continuously improved their level of play and although we finished the season tied for 5th place of 7 D2 teams, we beat the #3 & #4 teams in the final round of competition. Not only do the girls work very hard on the court but they excel in the class room as well. We have 3 Presidential Scholarship recipients and 5 additional girls on the team that have a 3.5 GPA or higher," Salinas added.
As part of the Volleyball Programs Philosophy the girls are encouraged to succeed in the classroom, on the court, and most importantly, as individuals. The outstanding contributors for last year, which are expected to return and lead the team this year, are Setter Sonya Chavez; Defensive Specialist Nikki Sorenno; Middle Blockers Rayna Downey and Mandy Gibbons; as well as outside hitters Jae Sevy and Jill Riding.
With recruiting for next year well on its way the squad has a very bright outlook for next year and aims to have more success with their conference record and qualify for post season play.
This was also the first year at Mesa for a staff that has extensive playing and coaching experience. Head Coach Salinas was a standout player at Eastern Arizona College and coached men’s volleyball at the University of Southern Alabama. Berta Downey’s experience covers junior high school through college over the past 15 years. Pele Baker was named MVP of the 1992 NJCAA Division 1 tournament when her Eastern Arizona College team finished second in the nation.
Tryouts for the 2007 team have been held throughout the Spring, and recruiting has gone well, indications that the outlook is encouraging for the upcoming season.
Please contact The Athletics Department for comments
or corrections phone:
480-461-7542 |
