KENTFIELD, Calif.- The nonconference portion of the Cosumnes River volleyball team's schedule has seen the Hawks experience their share of ups and downs early in the 2013 campaign.  CRC has managed a .500 mark thus far, and looks to improve upon that when they close out their nonconference schedule this evening on the road, against College of Marin.

The Hawks look to enter Big 8 play next week on a winning note, following the team's dominant 3-0 victory over College of the Redwoods this past Friday.  That victory followed a split at the CRC mini-tournament, where the Hawks opened up with a decisive 3-0 victory over Siskiyous.  Much of the Hawks recent success can be attributed to the standout play of freshman Jennifer Lysaght (pictured right).

Lysaght is currently hitting .047 on the season, and had a productive .118 outing against Redwoods where she recorded a pair of blocks.  "(Lysaght) was moved to middle so being able to step up and play a position that she had not practiced at was huge," said assistant coach Natalie Wells following the Redwoods victory.  "She is a lefty and for a middle that is awkward, but she was able to step up and be very effective."

Lysaght might be a freshman in terms of volleyball eligibility, but she has taken on a veteran leadership role on a young Hawks team.  Following her graduation from Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, Lysaght played basketball for one season at Sacramento City College, before transferring and playing a second season at Cosumnes River College with the women's basketball team last season.  She's no stranger to the volleyball court, however, having a standout career for the Falcons during her high school career before deciding to play college basketball.

"I am encouraged by how hard Jen works, not only to be successful for herself, but for her team as well," said Coach Wells.  "She show heart, dedication and commitment, and it's her eagerness to learn which makes her a valuable asset to our program."

The Hawks will take on College of Marin tonight at 6 PM on the road.  CRC will then open Big 8 conference play next Wednesday with a match on the road against Sierra College (Oct. 2).  They'll play their conference home opener next Friday when they play host to Delta (Oct. 4).  That match is scheduled for 6:30 PM.