SACRAMENTO, Calif.- The Cosumnes River volleyball team continues to be plagued by issues with execution, costing the team opportunities to keep matches close. In the Big 8 conference, the premier volleyball conference in the region, this can prove especially problematic as the team has seen four matches into the conference schedule. The Hawks will look to put those issues behind them later tonight when they play host to crosstown rival American River.
The Hawks will likely bring their "A-game" tonight when they take on rival ARC at home. However, sometimes getting too hyped for an opponent can work to one's detriment, as appeared to be the issue in the team's recent 3-0 loss to rival Sac City. "I know some of the girls really wanted it because of the natural rivalry between City and us," said assistant coach Natalie Wells. "That could have been their downfall… they wanted it too bad." Execution issues also continue to be a problem with this young Hawks team. "I think the thing that really got us during that match was serving and passing, which has plagued us for a while now," said Wells following the team's match against the Panthers. "It is the basics that are not being executed." Failing to execute these fundamentals has put undue hardship on the Hawks, making it especially difficult for the team to stay competitive in the brutal Big 8 conference. "If we can't serve or pass, our offense can't be run… it's as simple as that," said Wells with the respect to the team. "When we did have a pass that we could run plays off (of), they then were not being executed at the net."
In light of the execution issues currently plaguing the team, the Hawks have seen development throughout the season from many of their young players. Freshman libero Sam DaVeggio (pictured right) has taken on a larger role with the team. "Sam had a lot more touches on the ball, and has realized what the coaches are saying when she stays deep and on her feet," Wells said of her freshman. "She will be able to make more plays." "Hopefully that will continue to snowball for her and she can make more plays as well."
Cosumnes River will be looking for DaVeggio, as well as the rest of the CRC volleyball team to really step up tonight, as the Hawks play host to first-place American River. The Beavers, 4-0 in conference play and 13-3 overall, are coming off resounding victories over Santa Rosa JC and Modesto JC. According to Coach Wells, the Hawks understand they're in for a test tonight. "From year's past you'll assume they will be a taller team, so we are going to have to play smart and place the ball more, or try to intentionally swing off of the block," Wells said of the team's gameplan against the Beavers. "We as hitters are going to have to see the block first by keeping the ball in front of us and listening to the players telling us where to go." In the end, the most important thing for the Hawks tonight will be executing the fundamentals the team has been working on consistently throughout the season. "I think the biggest thing we are working on is serving and passing," said Wells.
CRC is still looking for their first victory in the Big 8 conference, and Coach Wells believes the team has the potential to play their best in the matches ahead. "We are not out of this yet as we are 0-4, but so many of those matches could have been pushed to four or five games." "We have got to clean up a lot of what we are doing physically and mentally."
The Hawks host the Beavers tonight at 6:30. Tickets are $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.