The Long Beach City College women's volleyball team unofficial opened the season this past weekend, competing at the Cuesta College scrimmage tournament in San Luis Obispo on Saturday.

At the day-long event, Long Beach played seven matches total. LBCC saw action against Northern California schools Gavilan, Ohlone, and Merced, and also took on SoCal teams Allan Hancock, Moorpark, San Diego City and Antelope Valley colleges.

"The weekend was a success," said seventh year head coach Suzie Witmer. "Our trip was really for team bonding and for us coaches to be able to experiment with different lineups. We accomplished everything that we wanted to do and we are ready to start our season against Chaffey on Friday.  This season is going to be exciting!"

LBCC got strong efforts from returning sophomores Danielle Tuitasi (Corona HS) and Celina Yandall (St. Anthony HS, pictured). 

Tuitasi was a second-team All-South Coast Conference selection at outside hitter as a freshman last season for the Vikings. Yandall, a freshman for the 2010 Vikings, is back for her second season at LBCC after redshirting 2011.

The coaching staff also pointed out the impressive play of freshmen Vashti Nettles (Poly HS), Lisa Villarroel (Millikan HS), and Sami Uepa (Poly HS).

Nettles at 5-11 brings size to the net for LBCC at middle blocker. Villarroel is also a talented middle blocker, while Uepa at setter should serve as one of the leaders on the floor this season.

Long Beach officially begins the season on Friday (Aug 31) at 5:30 pm with a non-conference match at Chaffey College. The Vikings have their home opener on September 5 when they host Ventura College at 6:30 pm in a non-conference contest.

The Vikings look to improve on their 8-14 overall record from last season and fifth place finish in the SCC at 5-9.

Photo by Chris Ruiz