Hawks Fall in Close Match To #22 Mustangs

SACRAMENTO (9-21) - The Hawks had their first home game of their Big 8 Conference schedule against a strong opponent in the CCCSIA #22 Mustangs. Cosumnes River did not shy away during the match showing a strong performance against last season's runner-up.

The match lasted only three sets but the Hawks battled hard losing by a combined fourteen points. The first set score was 25-22 with the Hawks and Mustangs battling hard for every point. Kylie Pires set the tone early with four kills during the first set along with two service aces. Rebakkah McLaughlin led the defense with five digs. Abigail Hicks and Esmeralda Hernandez each added three digs apiece. The Hawks started slow in the second set which they were unable to overcome the deficit. The Mustangs won the second set 25-16. Taryn Oberle led the team with three kills during the second set. In the third set, Cosumnes River rebounded to once again force a tight set. Ultimately, the Hawks fell 25-23 to the Mustangs. Pires lead the Hawks' offense with four kills followed by Elizabeth Smith's two kills. Smith also contributed an ace and two solo blocks during the tight third set.

Quote of the Game:

"Even though we came up short, it was a team effort to show our resilience against the twenty-second-ranked team in the state. It shows that we can compete with the top teams in the state. We are looking forward to competing against Modesto and Sierra this week."

-Head Coach Kari Post Nahlen

Up Next-Cosumnes River takes on Modesto Junior College on Wednesday at 6:30 pm.