SACRAMENTO, Calif.- Head Coach Cassie Baxter and her Cosumnes River Hawks tipoff the 2014 season this afternoon when they play hosting to the visiting Cougars of Lassen College.  The match is set to begin at 3 PM.  Admission is free for CRC students with ID, with $6 general admission.  Discounted admission is available for seniors, children and visiting students with ID.

The CRC Hawks open this season with a young roster, as the team carries only two sophomores.  The team is led by veteran setter Nancy Pacheco, who anchored the Hawks last season during the 2013 campaign.  Joining Pacheco will be sophomore Mary Tamayo, playing the libero position.  Tamayo redshirted last season after competing in 2012 with the Hawks.

Cosumnes River will see five freshmen get extended playing time this season in a number of key positions.  The team features three freshmen from nearby schools, as outside hitter Justice Cooper and middle hitter Royletha Hudson played at Cosumnes Oaks, while middle hitter Mercedes Dangerfield enters the program from Laguna Creek.  Defensive specialist Gabbey Vinalon-Brown and outside hitter Jessica Winship join Coach Baxter from Amador and Argonaut high schools, respectively.

CRC returns home next Friday when they host their annual CRC Classic, on Sept. 5.  They will play three-matches that afternoon, when they play host to Los Medanos, West Hills-Coalinga, and Ohlone.  The first match is scheduled for 2 PM.