SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Cosumnes River volleyball assistant coach Natalie Wells (pictured right) sat down to chat about the team’s monday afternoon practice.  Coach Wells was pleased with the Hawks performance, especially given the “chaos” on campus during the first day of the Fall semester.  She cited plenty of positives from this afternoon’s workout.

One of the positives coach Wells emphasized during the practice was the relationship developing between her setters and hitters.  The staff believes establishing these relationships early can lead to success down the line for the Hawks.  The team also put a focus on plays, and seeing everything at game speed, in contrast to the breakdown drills the team has been working on during the preseason.  All in all, the staff was encouraged by what they saw, and feel good about where they stand heading into the regular season.

The staff was also candid about how they would structure lineups.  “We want to see what six work best," said Coach Natalie Wells when asked about lineups.  “Not just the best six, but six that work.”

Practices have been especially productive of late, given the fact there are so many new players on this season’s roster.  This particular team sports a diverse group of players, exhibiting a variety of different skill sets and backgrounds.  The one constant among the roster is the team’s maturity, even in the freshmen.  “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.”

According to Coach Wells, the focus of tomorrow’s practice will continue to be team drills.  It’s important to note the Hawks will look for production out of a pair of true freshman, as both middle hitters are entering their first seasons of competition.  Alicia Madriago and Tierra Collier will have their share of responsibility this season, but Wells is confident they are up for the task.  “They’re eager to learn; they’re eager to put in the time” said Wells in regard to Madriago and Collier.  “They’re going to watch film tomorrow to see how true college middles see and react to the ball.”

The Hawks open play this Wednesday at the College of Alameda Classic.