CARLSBAD, Calif.— The Cal State San Marcos volleyball team spent a morning giving back to the community Saturday, participating in a beach cleanup in conjunction with the San Diego Surfrider Foundation.

The Cougars wanted to make an effort to help, making the event a priority even during their busiest time of preseason. The team collected 18 pounds of trash and left with the beach clean and ready for use.

"We use the beach quite a bit, so we felt as though it was important to help," said head coach Andrea Leonard. "The girls had a great time!"

The San Diego Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots organization that works to protect local oceans, waves, and beaches throughout the county. For more information on the organization, click here.

The Cougars season gets underway Tuesday, August 20 with matches against San Diego Christian and Trinity Christian in El Cajon.