2016 COS Volleyball Preview

Head volleyball coach Kim Rix is in her third year at COS she has never posted a losing record. Coach Rix believes this group of women have the "it" to accomplish a special 2016 season.

"I have such high expectations this season. We have so much experience and some incredible freshman coming in."

Experience is what Rix is most excited about as she only had two returning starters last season. Despite that, COS finished second in league and posted a 5-2 home record.

"Last season went really well when you look at what we had to deal with," Rix Said. "We only had two returning starters and twelve freshman. It was my first year to recruit all year and that's why we saw so many freshman on the court. They really wanted it and they were dominate."

Despite all of the accomplishments achieved in 2015, it was not enough for outside hitter Gabi Crookshanks. The first round playoff loss to Diablo Valley still resonates with Crookshanks.  

"We came with our heads a little high and we thought it was going to be easy. It was not. Losing was awful and we don't want to experience that again this season."

Going to Playoffs is always a goal for the Giants, but league comes first. This volleyball season in the Central Valley Conference is wide open. Fresno City are the favorites with Reedley as dark horses. With Sequoias returning experience, Rix thinks this is the year the ladies get over the hump and beat both Reedley and Fresno City and finish at the top spot in the CVC.

"Those loses give us all motivation to fight as hard as we can. Fresno is a great team and Reedley and Taft play with a lot of toughness. Merced, West Hills, and Porterville are well coached as well. It's always a dog fight."

Players to Watch

MB/OH: Idalis Rubalcava -

The Sophomore from Hanford (Sierra Pacific HS) looks to improve on her stellar 2015 season. Rubalcava finished third in kills with 146 while only playing in 14 matches. Rix has high praises for three sport athlete as Rubalcava not only plays volleyball at COS, she runs on the Track team and plays basketball for the Giants.

"Idalis is such a great athlete. She isn't just playing three sports, she is excelling in all three sports." Rubalcava was an all-conference honoree in all three sports last school year.

OH: Gabi Crookshanks -

In her freshman year Crookshanks finished second second in the team with 162 kills. This season, the sophomore from Exeter will be counted on even more by Rix.

"Gabbi was so good for the team as a program," Rix said. "She is so mature and such a great leader. Outside hitters are your go to players. She's going to be even more incredible this season."

The Giants will travel to Sacramento to begin the 2016 season as they will compete in the American River Classic Tournament. COS currently has two matches against Los Angeles Mission College and Lassen scheduled for Friday August 26. Sequoias Central Valley Conference home opener is September 9 as they host Porterville.