SEASIDE, Calif. — The Cal State Monterey Bay volleyball team won a school–record 18 matches in 2013. The Otters are hoping that performance was only an appetizer, whetting their appetites for a gourmet main course in 2014.

There are plenty of reasons why eighth year Head Coach Jody Garry (Jody Garry">@JodyGarry) is optimistic heading into the season–opening Seaside Invitational hosted by Point Loma University. The Otters return six starters from last season's squad that finished a CSUMB–record fifth in CCAA play. Included in that group are the best attacking tandem in Otter history—Julia Ashen (North Salinas HS) and Jessica Malcolm (Lodi HS)—who combined for 994 kills in 2013, making them the most lethal 1–2 punch in the West Region.


The Otters also return setter Kelsey Johnston (Ripon HS), who already owns the CSUMB career assist record as well as middle blockers Victoria Clardy (Westminster/Marina HS), DJ Gresham-Ryder (Stockton/Chavez HS) and Janai Johnson (Sacramento/Bradshaw Christian), each of whom already figures prominently in the Otter record book, though none is more than a junior.

Add to that group junior libero Rachel Cookus (Thousand Oaks HS), who is on pace to become the leading digger in school history by season's end, and a strong recruiting class. It's easy to see why the future looks bright in The Kelp Bed.

The Otters will have their work cut out from them if they hope to crack the top four in the CCAA and earn their first NCAA Tournament bid. An abbreviated preconference season leaves the Otters with just four matches against nonconference foes. In fact, their first three opponents (and four of their first six) are ranked in the top 35 in the AVCA's preseason national ranking.

CSUMB opens against perennial power Fresno Pacific (No. 34) and tournament host Point Loma (No. 26) Friday. Saturday, the Otters take on No. 32 Metro State and an Azusa Pacific team that went 26–11 in 2013.

And that's just opening weekend.

In all, nine of CSUMB's 26 matches will be against teams in the AVCA preseason poll. By season's end, the Otters hope to join that elite company.

CSUMB opens its 11–game home slate by hosting Humboldt State (Sept. 12) and No. 8 Cal State San Bernardino (Sept. 13). Links to live stats and video (where available) from all Otter matches may be found at OtterAthletics.com. Just select the volleyball schedule for complete information.