SACRAMENTO, Calif.- As has become a theme this season for the Cosumnes River volleyball team, the Hawks continue to battle inconsistency as they look to grow as a unit. A young CRC roster looks to come together later today, when they play host to the College of the Redwoods.
The Hawks (4-5) have been struggling with inconsistent play this season, opening matches in strong fashion in most contests, but struggling to finish off opponents in others. Assistant coach Natalie Wells and the Hawks staff have worked with the team recently to resolve these issues, by focusing on the mental, as well as the physical aspects of the game. "We have been working on serving and passing the last couple days, but the downfall has been our mental game," says Coach Wells with respect to the team. "We have a young team and it seems like they don't know how to push or motivate internally."
Cosumnes River has looked very strong at times this season, taking quality wins over Mendocino, Los Medanos, West Hills and Siskiyous in convincing fashion, while struggling in others. Specifically, matches like the one on the road to Columbia, where the Hawks took a commanding 2-0 lead before falling 3-2 have been especially taxing on the team. "They shut down and wait for others to pick them up and it just isn't happening," said Wells regarding the team's youth and relative inexperience. "The coaching staff has tried to figure out what needs to improve and change, but it comes down to them individually."
CRC has shown flashes at brilliance this season, and have a roster filled with young talent, led by standout freshman Nancy Pacheco. The Hawks will look to continue to grow and develop as a team in their match against Redwoods this afternoon, as CRC will host their last nonconference opponent at home this season. Today's match is scheduled for 1 PM.
Tickets are available for $6 for general admission, $4 for seniors, and $2 for children. Admission is always free for CRC students, staff and faculty. Concessions will be available to purchase at the event. Parking permits are available at designated kiosks in the parking lots.
Cosumnes River will close out their nonconference schedule next Thursday when they travel to take on Marin (Sept. 26). They'll open Big 8 conference play the following week when they travel on the road to take on Sierra (Oct. 2), before hosting Delta in their conference home opener (Oct. 4).