Veteran Cardinals squad eager to get season underway

WASHINGTON – The 2011 season is fast approaching for the CUA volleyball team and the Cardinals are focused on being ready.  The team reported to preseason camp earlier this week and has been going through two practices a day with its sights set on early September when the season gets underway.

“So far, the preseason has been going very well,” 19th year Head Coach Nagy Abdelrazek said.  “The team worked very hard over the summer, I can see that with their conditioning, which has made my life easier and allowed me to focus more on volleyball rather than conditioning.”

The Cardinals return every player from last season, including All-Landmark Conference selections Kristina Purcell and Claudia Jean.  Abdelrazek gave his thoughts on working with a veteran-laden team.  “It’s very different because it helps me to focus more on new things, rather than trying to teach the system all over again.”

In addition to the experienced Cardinals, Abdelrazek welcomed two newcomers to camp, and so far he has been pleased with their progress.  “So far, so good with the newcomers.  We have a true freshman from right here in D.C. and I think she’ll be a contributor for us this year.  Our other newcomer is a transfer and although she has playing experience, I think she needs a little more time to develop.  But there’s no doubt that down the road she will make an impact for us.”

CUA posted a record of 20-14 in 2010, which was its third 20-win season in the last four years. The Cardinals advanced to the semifinals of the Landmark Conference Tournament.

The Cardinals will begin their 2011 season on Friday, September 2 when they travel to the Hampton Inn & Sleep Inn Invitational at Eastern Mennonite.  CUA will take on Salem at 7 p.m. and Stevenson at 9.

See what Abdelrazek said regarding the 2011 edition of the Cardinals below.