3 FGCU teams prep for openers
The Florida Gulf Coast University men’s soccer team begins preparing for the 2009 season when players and coaches assemble for their first practice Saturday. Women’s soccer and volleyball teams started earlier this week
Eagles head coach Bob Butehorn begins his third season at the helm and welcomes back a total of 17 letter-winners, including all 11 starters, from last year’s team that finished 6-10-2 and placed seventh (3-5-1) in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Butehorn boasts six juniors, 12 sophomores and 10 freshmen on this year’s 28-man roster.
The Eagles host Florida Southern for an exhibition match at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the FGCU Soccer Complex.
The Eagles make their season debut on Sept. 1 on the road at Florida International. Their first home match is Sept. 5 against the nationally-ranked USF Bulls.
The volleyball team held its first practice Monday with seven returning players and nine newcomers. The Eagles look to earn their first berth in the NCAA Tournament as a D-I program, while building on five consecutive 20-win seasons.
FGCU opens the season at Miami in the first of three matches in the Hurricane Invitational.
The women’s soccer team began practicing Sunday. Ten starters return from last year’s team. They host Rollins College at 2 p.m. Sunday in an exhibition match at the FGCU Soccer Complex.