After a disappointing 2022 season, this year’s Toro women’s volleyball team is looking to turn the corner and return to winning ways. Head Coach Jennifer Adeva is confident that her squad has what it takes to put last season’s struggles behind them.
“We’re looking for improvement across the board,” she says. “We’ve got a good mix of experienced returning players and newcomers, and team chemistry is getting better daily.”
The team got off to a decent start last season, and had a 4-5 record when their season got derailed by a 10-game losing streak in the middle of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) schedule. They ended up with a 6-19 record overall, with a 4-14 mark in the CCAA.
“We had a really young, inexperienced team last season,” says Adeva. “With nine first-year students and two transfers, we knew it would be a learning year for us. There was a lot of growth for that team from the beginning of the season until the end, and we’re looking to build on what we started.”
Adeva’s goal this season is to rack up enough wins to qualify for the postseason. The team brings back 14 players from last year’s team, including senior Shelby Saporetti, who joined the Toros as a first-year student in 2019, but transferred to Fresno City College (FCC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saporetti returned to the Toros last season after helping FCC win the state junior college championship.
“Shelby really helped our team last year,” says Adeva. “I think her leadership, experience, and maturity are going to be keys to our success this season.”
Adeva also points out Ava Hurry, an All-CCAA Honorable Mention choice in 2022, and Bailey Fuches, who earned the same honor in 2021, as players she expects to have a major impact this year.
The Toros lost five players from last year’s team, but Adeva and her staff are excited about the six student-athletes who they’ve recruited for 2023. “I really like the players we brought in this year. They’re all great, hard-working young women who will help build the culture and bring some experience along as well.”
Bringing the most experience among the transfers is Kayly Pau, an outside hitter who spent the last three seasons competing in Division I as a member of the Boise State Broncos. Adeva expects her to make a positive impact on and off the court.
As the team rebuilds itself into a competitive powerhouse, Adeva encourages CSUDH students to come out to the Torodome and support the squad. “We’ve got a competitive, determined, and enthusiastic bunch of young players out there. Their fellow Toros will be proud of their fight and tenacity this season. It should be a lot of fun to watch!”
The CSUDH women’s volleyball team opens their home schedule against Stanislaus State on Friday, Sept. 15, at the Torodome. Their complete schedule is available at https://gotoros.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule.
