ClubSportsWeekly

Men's spikers hopeful for new campaign

Would you like to play in a big national roundball tournament? Well, come on down to the CCRB on Monday at 6:45 p.m. and try out for the men's volleyball team.

It's not exactly March Madness, but they will go to Kansas City in April, to play in the national club tournament.

Last year, Michigan had a disappointing season, finishing eighth in the Big Ten.

But with a new season comes rejuvenated high hopes and a new head coach.

Leonard Thomas, a former assistant varsity coach at Lake Superior State, is the man in charge of leading the club.

The club will also be competing in the Annual Michigan Classic, which will be held on the last weekend of January.

The Wolverines expect to do well in both tournaments.

The journey to Kansas City starts this week. Tryouts will be held tonight and Wednesday from 6:45 to 10 p.m., on court four at the CCRB.

The cost of the tryout is $15, which includes a volleyball t-shirt.

- Edrick Lopez

Successful club volleyball to hold tryouts at CCRB

Looking for competitive girls' volleyball? The Michigan women's volleyball club is holding tryouts this Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the CCRB.

The club consists of former high school volleyball players who are still serious about the sport. Unlike many clubs, the volleyball club does make cuts, so space is limited for the A and B teams.

"It's a great chance to play competitive volleyball with a great group of girls," club secretary Sara Anderson said.

During the year, practices will be at the same time as the tryouts and the season runs from October until April. In addition to practices, the club plays tournaments every other week, beginning in November. Two tournaments are held at home, while the remaining tournaments are spread across the midwest, from Wisconsin to Kentucky.

After a solid year last year, the club has high expectations.

"We want to place (in the top 3) of every tournament, and get in the upper bracket for nationals," Anderson said.

Last year, the club finished in the second highest bracket at nationals and notched a first place finish at the Wisconsin tournament. The team also finished second at the Ohio State tournament.

For more information about the women's volleyball club, contact club president Kate Capotosto at kcapotos@umich.edu.

-Jeff Phillips