Chandler, AZ-- Many people across the world believe the number 13 to be unlucky, but the CGCC Coyote Volleyball team is hoping that their preseason ranking of number 13 in the country provides them with the luck they need to have a stellar season. Third year Head Coach Jeff Nelson said, "We are deeper talent wise than I feel we have been in the past. We have played well in some early season scrimmages and with the NJCAA giving Division II teams an at large bid to the national tournament, we are excited about all that we can accomplish this season."
The Coyotes have fallen short of a bid to the national tournament the previous two seasons despite being ranked within the top 10 in the country throughout both years and being a high seed going in to the Region 1 playoff. The number 13 ranking creates an expectation that they will yet again be competing amongst the top teams in the country. They trail only conference rival Scottsdale Community College, ranked number 2 in the country, for teams within the conference who are ranked nationally.
The roster is made up of young women from throughout the East Valley including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe. The Yotes have a combination of returning players, true freshman and a handful of transfers. The Coyotes open their season at Central Arizona College on August 23rd. Their first home match is Wednesday September 13th at 7 PM against Pima Community College.
