The volleyball team is approaching their first conference game, moving through the month of September with a current record of 8-3 through their preseason tournaments.
The Hawks swept the Yuba College 49ers on Sept. 6 with the help of what sophomore defensive specialist Kalina Joy Rivas described as a “strong team bond” filled with “very loud and positive energy.”
“Over time and as we are going into the season, we’re really growing that bond by communicating,” Rivas said.
The team is evenly split with eight sophomores and eight freshmen, adding to a team with a wide range of experience.
Sophomore middle blocker Abigail Siever said the team is always talking to one another, on and off the court.
“As soon as the court goes quiet, we go downhill, so I think energy is something we really focus on,” Siever said. “When we get a kill, we start screaming at each other, we get super hyped up, and the bench starts going crazy and that just really builds us up.”
Siever is a team leader in kills with 40 total kills, as well as leading the team in block assists with 12. She was named Hawk of the Week on Sept. 2 by Cosumnes River College Athletics after recording 10 kills, 5 service aces, 2 digs and a block in the Hawks’ matchups against De Anza College and College of the Siskiyous on Aug. 30, according to their website.
“Connecting and being able to grow a bond, we are constantly laughing and having fun and that has really helped us grow a connection this year,” Siever said.
The Hawks have seen positive outcomes through growing their relationships with other positions, Rivas said.
“As a DS, it’s our job to talk with the setter and with the hitters, where to play for offense and where to hit for offense,” Rivas said. “We’re still working on it, but so far we are doing a really great job.”
Rivas said their relationship is also built on the advice younger players have received from their veteran teammates.
“In serve receive, I know that for some of us it gets a little nerve wrecking, so at least what helps for me for first ball is like, I just think that this ball is coming to me, so I always think to expect everything to come for me, so I’m ready at all times,” Rivas said. “If we all have that mindset then the first ball will be easy.”
Siever and Rivas also described the positive reflection their coaches have had on their team chemistry.
Defensive specialist coach Michaela Bennet-Wells said she has kept focus on constant communication throughout the game and keeping the energy high.
“The biggest things we have been working on are our movement and making sure we are getting around the ball, behind the ball, reading what the hitters are doing and when we see that we are communicating back row to front row,” Bennet-Wells said.
Bennett-Wells re-emphasized the importance of building relationships with other positions and helping out your teammates.
“What we tell the girls is that we are always focusing on a first ball kill, our FBK. That’s our biggest focus. It starts with a good pass, setting up your teammates for success,” Bennet-Wells said. “When the ball is coming to you, take a second, a deep breath and go, okay I’m gonna get this pass, but I’m also making sure my setter can get a great set and my hitter can be prepared for a great hit.”
CRC competed in their final out-of-conference tournament on Wednesday and Thursday where they faced Reedley College, Ohlone College, Lassen College and Los Medanos College.
“The girls are having a lot of fun, getting along really well and they are constantly going out for dinner and lunch and they’re bonding, and it’s really showing on the court they are doing well and I’m really proud of them,” Bennet-Wells said.
The Hawks are set to play their first conference game on Sept. 18 against the Santa Rosa Junior College Cubs.