April 28, 2009
SALISBURY, Md. - Preparations began well before the vote, but with the NCAA passing a motion to give sand volleyball the status of an emerging sport, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's (UMES) CSI (Collegiate Sand Invitational) was a great tie in to the new sport. The event was just as successful as the vote. While a UMES pair won the event it wasn't just the success of the players, but of the event, as hundreds of spectators came out to see what all the buzz was about.
"I am extremely pleased with the success of this first-year event. We had 12 teams, great competition and camaraderie, amazing food and almost perfect weather. There exists tremendous room for growth, so we plan to make this an annual event," said Eric Hammond Associate Head Women's Volleyball Coach and tournament coordinator.
Fans enjoyed watching the action and the high level of volleyball that collegiate players bring to the court, and of course the sun. "Not only was the play exciting, but the food was great and the atmosphere was family-friendly on a beautiful day," said Nick Anastos, a spectator at the event.
As for results, the 12 teams competing were made up of athletes from UMES, Delaware State and Salisbury University. The final match came down to UMES' Christina Estebane' and Caylin Woodward, who overcame a one game deficit to defeat DSU's Elisa Hermann and Sarah Wheatcroft, 2-1. That loss was the Lady Hawk duo's only loss of the day and they used tough defense throughout pool and bracket play to win the gold medal.
Hermann and Wheatcroft took the silver.
Delaware State's Sonja Banicevic and Ashley Herman took the bronze medal, topping the UMES pair of Zoe Bowens and Christine Edwards.
"Of course, I am also proud that one of our UMES duos won the gold medal," said Hammond. "All athletes involved worked hard and commented that they enjoyed the format. I feel this experience will make us a much stronger team when we return to compete indoors in the fall."
Hammond said that the event was so well received they plan to do it again next year, incorporating four courts, more schools, more vendors and draw a larger crowd. "It appears that we have opened many eyes to the sport of sand volleyball. We created fans at the event and that could be the biggest benefit of all. I want to thank all of the people and organizations who contributed to make this event the success that it was. They made UMES CSI possible."
