Tustin’s volleyball players (left) are introduced before last year’s title match. (File photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)
Tustin High’s girls volleyball team is preparing for the start of the season, which has been delayed by about four months. The Tillers are hoping to win their second consecutive CIF title.
Under the new CIF plan, girls volleyball was moved from August to December 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Local and state health officials need to give final approval for the seasons to happen.
The Tustin squad is currently preparing with a virtual approach. Tustin Unified School District, like other districts in Orange County, began the fall semester with on-line courses only.
“We are following the guidelines and participating daily through sixth period Zoom workouts: weight training and conditioning through distanced learning,” Tustin Coach Joanna Lane said.
“We are planning on returning to campus once academics do. Right now, TUSD’s target start date is Sept. 10.”
Tustin captured its first CIF title last November, defeating Vistamar in four sets in the Division 5 title match.
This season, the Tillers are scheduled to be grouped in Division 3 of CIF.
“We are so excited for the upcoming 20-21 season,” Lane said. “We are returning four of our eight starters: senior middle blocker Paige Curtwright, senior libero Malia Acosta, junior opposite Erin McInnes and senior defensive specialist Jade Croopnick.
“Although we graduated 10 seniors, we have an incredibly strong team of returners. Since winning D5, we are now in D3 and we can guarantee we will work extremely hard to make history once again with the first repeat in the school’s volleyball history.”
The CIF plan would have boys volleyball, which normally is held in the spring, starting on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 and girls volleyball beginning on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.
Lane said she will once again coach both programs.
-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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