Women's volleyball team holds open house

By Lyndsey Shinoda
Daily Forty-Niner

Dedicated Long Beach State women's volleyball fans gathered at The Pyramid Saturday for a sneak preview of a season that is sure to keep spectators at the edge of their seats.

Head Coach Brian Gimmillaro offered an audience of nearly 1,000 an inside look at the 2000 49ers, ranked No. 2 in the nation by Volleyball Magazine.

Gimmillaro explained the different positions that make up a volleyball squad, and introduced team members to fans.

"I hope that tonight will give everyone here insight on this team," he said.

As the team ran through a live demonstration, Gimmillaro gave praise and pointers from the sideline. He explained the technical aspects of volleyball, including the various types of offensive and defensive plays the 49ers run.

Long Beach State President Robert Maxson attended the preview with his wife, English professor Sylvia Maxson.

"We're going to have a great team," he said. "I thought today's crowd was big and enthusiastic and the team looks phenomenal. We're all predicting a Final-Four appearance."

The team members also eagerly anticipated the season ahead of them.

"It was good to get out and be in front of people," said middle blocker Tayyiba Haneef. "I'm really excited about the season, we're playing a lot of top teams and we're ready."

Middle blocker Cheryl Weaver viewed the demonstration as a jumping point.

"We were really anxious today," she said. "We have the potential to be very good, we just need to work really hard."

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