SEASIDE, Calif. -- Cal State Monterey Bay fans will finally get a look at the 2013 edition of Otter volleyball this weekend when the Otters host the 6th annual Otter Classic Volleyball Tournament Friday and Saturday in The Kelp Bed.

The Otters open against Dominican (Calif.) University at 11 a.m. Friday before playing Cal Baptist at 7 p.m. They'll play Academy of Art Saturday at 11 a.m. before preparing for bracket play Saturday evening.

CSUMB is part of the Blue Pool, which also includes Saint Martin's University and San Francisco State. Academy of Art, Cal Baptist and Dominican make up the Gold Pool.

For the first time, the Otter Classic will seed teams following pool play in order to determine a true champion on the court. The fifth place match is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday and the third place match will take place at 6 p.m. The first place teams in each pool will play for the tournament title at 8 p.m.

While the Otters return most of their starting lineup from 2012 (sophomore middle blocker Janai Johnson is expected to redshirt), including record-breaking outside hitter Julia Ashen (North Salinas HS) and record-breaking setter Kelsey Johnston (Ripon HS), youth dominates the squad. The team features five freshman and seven sophomores. The only seniors are outside hitter Lacee Ventura (Salinas HS) and defensive specialist Molly Kennedy (Oakland/Bishop O'Dowd).