Roxanne Neely talks Player of the Week and national rankings
Senior setter and outside hitter Roxanne Neely was named CCAA Player of the Week.
- September 15, 2010
Roxanne Neely is a four-year senior on the Pioneer women’s volleyball team. On Sept. 13, she became the first ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ women’s volleyball player to be named CCAA Player of the Week. The Pioneers are off to their best start since 2007, winning their first seven matches and earning a No. 24 ranking in the AVCA Division II Top 25 Poll this week.
Before the Pioneers took off for a three-game trip to face No. 11 UC San Diego, San Francisco State and Cal State Monterey Bay, Roxy took time out to talk to the ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Athletics about being named CCAA Player of the Week and the Pioneers being ranked for the first time since returning to Division II.
ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Athletics: What was your reaction when you found out you were named CCAA Player of the Week?
Roxanne Neely: It was a nice surprise after our first two home victories in conference. I was excited to be recognized by the CCAA.
CSUEBA: What was your reaction when you heard the Pioneers were ranked 24th in Division II?
RN: I was ecstatic! We still have a lot of work to do, but it shows that the team is going in the right direction. Being ranked alerts our Division II opponents and the CCAA that East Bay is a serious competitor. This reminds me of my first two years at East Bay when we were nationally ranked as a Division III program.
CSUEBA: Why do you think the team has gotten off to such a great start this season?
RN: We have a lot of returning players along with some good newcomers on this years’ team. Our team is working hard and has a good idea what the CCAA brings. I think we will be one of the top teams in the CCAA and have a successful season overall.
CSUEBA: How have you made the adjustment from starting as a setter to playing both outside hitter and setter?
RN: I’ve played around in different positions throughout my volleyball career. It’s exciting to mix it up. Last year, we also ran a modified 6-2. I’m always ready to play both positions, whatever is needed for the team.
The Pioneer women’s volleyball team is 7-0 overall and 2-0 in CCAA play. East Bay kicks off a five-match road swing against the 11th-ranked Tritons on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in La Jolla. UC San Diego brings a 5-1 overall record and 2-0 mark in conference play into tomorrow’s matchup. Live stats for the match will be available here.