SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Cosumnes River College volleyball assistant coach Natalie Wells released the team's roster for the 2013 season this afternoon.
The Hawks open the season with a roster of 14 players, including four returners from the 2012 campaign. They begin play with a challenging test on the road, before heading home to host their annual tournament. CRC will then enjoy a long homestand before beginning their always brutal Big 8 conference schedule. Last season saw four teams from the Big 8 conference make the postseason, three of which made the Sweet Sixteen.
CRC took their lumps early last season, a season that saw the Hawks endure their share of growing pains. Cosumnes River looks to reap the fruits of their labor however, as they return four impact players from last season's team. Star setter and team captain Candice Bohlmann returns after a standout freshman campaign, where she received a number of accolades including Hawk of the Year. Bohlmann, who also earned the coaches award, appeared in all 24 matches last season including 82 sets as a true freshman out of Galt. She is joined by third-year sophomore Mary Tamayo, a defensive specialist whom appeared in 24 contests last season, as well as team MVP Gabrielle Hinz. Hinz also appeared in every contest last season, posting averages of 0.96 kills, 2.02 digs, 0.13 blocks and 1.4 points per set, en route to earning the team's Most Valuable Player award. Sophomore Laura Villano, an opposite hitter from Galt also returns to the Hawks. Villano, whom also plays outfield for the CRC softball team, earned the team's most inspirational award.
This season head coach Minet Gunther returns for her fifteenth season on the sideline for the Hawks. Gunther, who sat out last season while on sabbatical, will benefit from a veteran staff. Assistant coach Natalie Wells, who last season served as interim head coach during coach Gunther's absence, brings ten years of experience to CRC volleyball. The staff also added Ashley Johnson, whom is serving her first season on the Hawks sideline.
Cosumnes River will open their Big 8 conference schedule on the road against Sierra College (Oct. 2). Sierra earned the fifth-seed in the CCCAA Northern California regional playoffs last season. The Hawks will host their conference home opener against rival Delta on Friday, October 4. Home matches during the conference part of the Hawks schedule will begin at 6:30. CRC will conclude their regular-season on sophomore night, as they host Modesto Junior College on November 20.
Tickets are available at the door for each event. Admission is always free for CRC faculty, staff, and students with valid identification.