September 13, 2009

SEASIDE, Calif. – In front of a packed house, the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament Champion softball team had its banner unveiled Friday night in the Otter Sports Center.

This is a very exciting time for Cal State Monterey Bay athletics,” said CSUMB Director of Athletics #Vince Otoupal#. “This proves that we are making progress towards our goals.”

Winning Cal State Monterey Bay's first CCAA title, head coach #Andrea Kenney#, assistant coach #Nicole Deatherage# and the 2009 team were honored prior to the women's volleyball game against Cal State Stanislaus.

“Raising the banner on Friday night was one of the highlights of my career,” Kenney said. “I am proud of the program and was happy to share that with the members of last year's team, especially four-year starters #Ashlee Trotter# and #Jessica Boyle#.

“Having the volleyball team pick up a conference win was icing on the cake.”

Due to continued inclement weather, the Otters' scheduled championship game with UC San Diego was canceled on May 2 in Stockton.  With the rain shortened event, the tournament reverted to the single-elimination format with CSUMB declared the 2009 Tournament Champions.

The Otters went 2-0 in the first two days of the tournament and did so in convincing fashion.  The Otters defeated UC San Diego 7-3 on Thursday, April 30, followed by an 8-0 six-inning victory over Sonoma State on Friday, May 1.

“Champions achieve success not only in the classroom but on the softball field as well,” Otoupal said. “We would like to congratulate Coach Kenney and her team on their accomplishment and season last year. 

“We look forward to hanging more championship banners in the future.”