STANFORD, Calif. – No. 13 Stanford begins its 2016 season this upcoming weekend, playing host to San Jose State, Sacramento State, Pacific, Saint Mary’s (Calif.) and San Francisco in a dual match tournament at the Stanford Sand Volleyball Stadium.
“We are excited for the start of the season and to play someone else,” said first-year head coach Denise Corlett. “The team has been working hard and we have seen a lot of improvement already.”
Stanford plays Sacramento State on Saturday day at 11:30 a.m. PT, followed by a matinee with San Jose State at 2:30 p.m. On Sunday, the Cardinal will face Pacific at 11:30 a.m. and Saint Mary’s at 2:30 p.m.
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— Stanford Beach VB (@StanfordBeachVB) February 25, 2016
The Cardinal enters 2016 as one of the youngest teams in the nation, with over half of the active roster currently in their first collegiate season.
“We have 12 active players at this time, seven of which are freshman,” said Corlett. “Four of the freshmen have beach experience which adds to our depth and overall experience.”
“Some of our freshmen had never played beach before the start of this quarter, but they’ve approached the sport with a lot of energy and excitement that’s been really fun to watch,” said junior Merete Lutz. “The whole team keeps getting better every passing week, and I know we’re all really excited to finally start competition.”
Beyond the beach: @StanfordBeachVB players doing more than playing volleyball: https://t.co/pZKMAH27A8 #NCAABeachVB pic.twitter.com/dUfwGRVtgh
— NCAA Volleyball (@NCAAVolleyball) February 24, 2016
After three seasons as a varsity sport, 2016 marks the first season in which the NCAA will hold a championship for beach volleyball.
“It is great for the sport of beach volleyball,” said Corlett. “It is one of the most popular events in the Olympics and I see this sport becoming one of the most popular sports in the NCAA.”
“The establishment of beach as a championship sport gives us a more defined end goal to work towards, as we all hope to end up in Gulf Shores (Ala.) at the end of this season,” added Lutz. “It is easy to see that beach volleyball will be a hugely popular NCAA sport in the future, and it’s awesome to be a part of its beginnings at Stanford.”
The tournament is expected to be completed, regardless of this weekend’s weather. Live updates will be available at GoStanford.com.
Tournament Schedule
| Day | Team Tournament Matchups | Court | Time (PT) |
| Saturday | Saint Mary's (Calif.) vs. Sacramento State | 1 & 2 | 8:30 a.m. |
| Saturday | San Francisco vs. Pacific | 3 & 4 | 8:30 a.m. |
| Saturday | Stanford vs. Sacramento State | 1 & 2 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Saturday | San Jose State vs. Pacific | 3 & 4 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Saturday | Stanford vs. San Jose State | 1 & 2 | 2:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | San Francisco vs. Saint Mary's (Calif.) | 3 & 4 | 2:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | Sacramento State vs. San Jose State | 1 & 2 | 8:30 a.m. |
| Sunday | Saint Mary's (Calif.) vs. Pacific | 3 & 4 | 8:30 a.m. |
| Sunday | Stanford vs. Pacific | 1 & 2 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Sunday | San Francisco vs. Sacramento State | 3 & 4 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Sunday | Stanford vs. Saint Mary's (Calif.) | 1 & 2 | 2:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | San Francisco vs. San Jose State | 3 & 4 | 2:30 p.m. |