SACRAMENTO, Calif. – It's opening day for the 2013 Cosumnes River volleyball team, as the Hawks prepare for two matches today at the College of Alameda tournament.  The Hawks will take on Bay Valley conference foe Mendocino College of Ukiah in the first of two matches today.  The opening match is scheduled for 1 PM this afternoon.  In the finale, CRC will take on the Renegades of Ohlone College, in a 5 PM matchup.

As is usually the case the opening week of the season, the Hawks enter the tournament knowing very little about their opponents, and have primarily prepared themselves simply to play their game.  CRC won't have a lot of time to work out their first match jitters, as they'll have to put everything together quickly to play a talented Ohlone College team.  The Renegades made the postseason last year, earning a #12 seed in the Northern California regionals before falling to Sierra College.

In preparation for the two contests, assistant coach Natalie Wells was encouraged by the amount of competition within their own practice yesterday.  "I see people competing and wanting to fight for a position, so that is great."  "I am seeing people wanting to learn about their position and how to be better."  Yesterday's practice marked two consecutive strong sessions leading into the season opener, a welcome sight for a team with so much youth.  "The maturity of the new kids is encouraging," replied coach Wells.  "They're all so eager to learn, which is awesome from a coaching perspective."

After the tournament, the Hawks will travel to Sonora to take on Columbia College (Sept. 4), before heading home to host their annual tournament.  Appearing in the event will be Los Medanos College of Pittsburg, Hartnell College of Salinas, as well as West Hills College of Coalinga.  The tournament will take place on September 6.