MORAGA, Calif. - With a young talented core returning for the 2011 season, the Saint Mary's women's volleyball team is slated to participate in three more spring tournaments. The Gaels kicked off the spring season last weekend at the Sacramento State Spring Volleyball Tournament.

"The team has put the best of themselves in our spring practice sessions," said assistant coach Keegan Cook. "We are constantly impressed by our players' mindfulness in practice and dedication to their team goals. We look forward to seeing them compete against great competition from around Northern California."

Last weekend in Sacramento, the Gaels opened up the spring schedule going 2-1-1 at the Sacramento State Spring Volleyball Tournament. Playing without outside hitter Lauren Corp, the Gaels defeated Chico State 2-0 and Sacramento State 2-0, before splitting with Fresno State 1-1 and dropping two games to Pacific 0-2.

SMC will play three more tournaments beginning Saturday, April 9 in Stockton, Calif. The Gaels will play Cal, San Jose State, Nevada, and Fresno State at the University of the Pacific Spring Volleyball Tournament. The Gaels take on the Golden Bears at 9:00 AM, at 10:00 AM they will battle the Spartans, followed by Nevada at 1:00 PM and wrapping up the day against Fresno State at 3:00 PM.

The following week, SMC will travel to Palo Alto, Calif., to participate in the Stanford Volleyball Scrimmage on Thursday, April 14 at 4:00 PM. The Gaels will play two opponents, WCC rival Santa Clara, followed by another match against Pacific.

The spring schedule concludes with the Gaels heading to San Francisco's War Memorial Gym to participate in the USF Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, April 30. The time of the matches and the opponents hasn't been determined yet.

For updates on the Volleyball team and the rest of the Gaels teams, log onto www.SMCGaels.com or follow the Gaels on facebook at www.facebook.com/smcgaels or on twitter at www.twitter.com/smcgaels.