Trojan Candy left the Women of Troy tennis match with Utah early to be on time for the Women of Troy Beach Volleyball match against Washington. There was a nice surprise outside of the Merle Norman Stadium. Pizza was served to all fans entering the stadium.
Teams #4 and #5 started the match. There was a non-scoring exhibition of four USC players on Court 3.
There was a short break in the competition to allow the next three teams to warm up.
Our Women of Troy Beach Volleyball Team beat Washington 4-1.
As Trojan Candy was leaving the stadium, I saw some friends.
FIGHT ON, Women of Troy Beach Volleyball!
My husband Jim, sister Pat, brother-in-law Dudley and I went to the USC-Stanford baseball game first to get a Barry Zito baseball cap. This was a special one for us, because our son Gregory, when he was working for Scott Boras, had created Barry Zito's dossier which was used for contract negotiations with the San Francisco Giants. Jim will give his cap to Gregory. Thank you, USC Baseball!
Then we drove over to the Galen Center for the Men's Volleyball match. Trojan Candy wanted to take pictures of the Senior Salute.
During the match, Trojan Candy took these two pictures of the Seniors playing.
Our men beat Cal Baptist in four sets. A nice victory for our Seniors!
The Senior Salute followed the match.
Friend and announcer Leland Waters gave me his script for the Salute.
Libero Vinnie Rios was introduced first. He was accompanied by his mother Dansene, dad Vince, sister Julia, and brother-in-law Brandon. Vinnie has aspirations to become a doctor.
Outside hitter Christopher Orenic was next. His mother Mary Claire was by his side. Christopher has received his Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and is working toward a Master's degree in Communication Management.
Third to be introduced was Michael Mullaley who walked in with his parents Tom and Monica and little brother Rob. After earning his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration last summer, Michael is working toward a Master's in Entrepreneurship.
Next, outside hitter Lucas Yoder entered with his mother Karen and sister Molly. Lucas is the sixth Yoder to play volleyball at USC! When he was a freshman in 2014, he was honored as National Freshman of the Year. Lucas is majoring in Planning, Policy, and Development.
Last, but not the least, was middle blocker Andy Benesh who walked onto the court with his mother Cheryl. Captain of the team this year, he was an excellent student as a Communication major. Andy finished nationally in the top 10 for hitting percentage and blocks.
Trojan Candy's good friend and the official USC photographer for the night, Dan Avila (1/16/2009), provided the following pictures of the Seniors and their families. Thanks so much Dan!
In this final picture, the team and coaches joined our Seniors.
Congratulations and FIGHT ON, Vinnie! FIGHT ON, Christopher! FIGHT ON, Michael! FIGHT ON, Lucas! and FIGHT ON, Andy!