UC Irvine Goes International To Compete In World Challenge Cup
September 14, 2012 | Men's Volleyball
Irvine, Calif. – The UC Irvine men's volleyball team will participate in the 5th Annual World Challenge Volleyball Cup in Mar del Plata, Argentina September 18-23 at the Unidos Stadium.
The exhibition tournament will feature teams from Brazil, Canada, Japan and Argentina.
"In the fall of 2008, this trip was the catalyst for the 2009 NCAA Championship campaign," UCI head coach David Kniffin said. "After three seasons of hosting our friends from Argentina, we are happy to honor our obligation of return to compete in the 2012 World Challenge Volleyball Tournament."
"The value of the camaraderie, competition, and exposure to foreign culture are not quantifiable. In the spirit of UC Irvine as a Global Campus, we are honored to represent our institution in this great event."
The Anteaters begin the tournament with Pool B action on Sept. 18 against Buenos Aires Unidos from Argentina then battle Florianpolis from Brazil on Sept. 19. Florianpolis is a four-time Superliga Champion.
Drean Bolivar from Argentina, Torray Arrows from Japan and the Canadian Senior National Team comprise Pool A. Matches on Sept. 21-23 will be determined following pool play.
UC Irvine is traveling back to Argentina after competing in the first World Challenge in 2008. UC Irvine has hosted the last three events with SADA Cruzeiro from Brazil capturing the last two titles. Argentina's Drean Bolivar won the tournament in 2009.
UC Irvine, who won their third national title in 2012, is the only NCAA program to participate in an international tournament. Key contributors returning for the Anteaters include setters Chris Austin and Daniel Stork, outside hitters Kevin Tillie, Jeremy Dejno and Connor Hughes, middle blocker Scott Kevorken and libero Michael Brinkley.
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