PC notebook: Volleyball gears up for opener
The Pirates will participate in the annual preseason scrimmage at Cuesta College on Friday, before opening their 2011 season at the PC Gym on Wednesday against Cuesta at 6 p.m.
Coach Dale Henderson said the team is excited about competing against other schools following an intense summer workout program. “Our players have made a commitment to conditioning and preparing for the regular season,” he said. “The scrimmage will allow us to work on different combinations and see how well our freshmen compete at the college level. This is our final tune-up before next Wednesday — when our journey officially begins.”
VOLLEYBALL PROMOTION
Next Wednesday will mark the first in a series of special promotions offered by the PC athletic department. Teams from the City of Porterville Parks & Leisure Co-Ed Adult Volleyball League will be admitted free on opening night. Special tickets for league participants will be distributed at Saturday’s Adult League practice, or arrangements can be made by calling Tonya Hall, 782-7521.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Life without star player Alex Shew begins for PC coach Dave Kavern. While Shew has transferred to Chico State, the Pirates will look to become a more balanced team offensively. Five players will return for their sophomore season, including point guard RaRa Gomez and shooting guard Regine Mecenario, who were both Central Valley Conference honorable mention as freshmen. Kavern said he expects the team to improve in the post with newcomer 5-10 Maribel Bravo (Strathmore). Freshman guard Danielle Carrillo, from Mendota High School, will play volleyball and basketball at PC. She was voted West Sierra League Most Valuable Player in both sports her senior year, and played in the City-County All-Star Basketball Game.
COMMISSIONER VISIT
The PC athletic department held its yearly mandatory training sessions on Aug. 19 and 23. Each coach, staff member, and administrator associated with athletics is required to review policies and rules in the CCCAA Constitution — in addition to completing an online exam. On Tuesday, the college hosted Central Valley Conference commissioner Logan McKechnie to lead a two-hour training session. “Logan is the best commissioner in our state system,” PC athletic director Eric Mendoza said. “It was a very productive visit. The commissioner is encouraged by PC’s commitment to operating quality sports programs, with informed coaches and staff members leading the way for our students.”
