Fresno City College volleyball will be on the defensive once again as they look to defend their Central Valley Conference crown in the upcoming 2018 season. But the powerhouse Rams will be on the hunt for their second state championship in three years.

Although they were not able to capture back-to-back state titles last year was far from a bust as the Rams captured their 11th consecutive conference championship, going 16-0 in conference play last season. They look to capitalize on that success this season.

Last year they were led by All-American Makayla Cervantes who had a very strong sophomore season.  This year’s team will be full of new talent and new opportunities to make a run at the state championship in November. Their season was cut short last year after losing a tough matchup against the highly touted San Joaquin Delta College, who they had had no problem beating earlier in the season.

The Rams will be looking towards returning players to fill the roles of those who have departed and expectations are high for the new faces who try make an impact this season. With freshman stepping up, and sophomores leading the charge, Roblee has high hopes for the season and the playoffs.  

“There is an exciting new dynamic, new talent and, new faces on this team,” said Roblee.

The Rams will be looking for sophomore Keri Leake to have a big season, as well as Katie Emmerling, Abbey Briggs, Mia Corippo, and Jenna Guinn. One freshman Marina Gonzales is very excited to be apart of this team for the upcoming season because of how well the team is meshing together and feels that the goal of the season is nothing short of a state championship.

But for now the goal for this team is taking it one game at a time in order to capture another CVC championship and ultimately that elusive state championship that fell through their fingers last season.

The Rams will have a good number of tough teams to beat on their way there including conference rivals, College of the Sequoias and Taft College  who give the Ram’s their toughest tests this season. Both teams went 11-5 in conference play last season while the Rams went undefeated.

The Rams open up season play on Aug. 31 against West Valley, finished the 2017 regular season with a 16-8 overall record and 7-3 in conference play including a playoff appearance.