The Rams’ Women’s volleyball team kicks off the upcoming season later this month and with that comes a new sense of hope and optimism for the team. The Rams are coming off a very impressive season which saw them go 29-4 along with capturing their 12th consecutive CVC championship.

After a loss in the semi-finals last year to American River College, the Rams now turn the page and have their eye on securing their second state title in a span of four years.

The Rams return eight players and will be looking for the sophomores to guide the team along the way. Along with a freshman group that has been described as fiery, fierce and confident, the expectations for the Rrams this season are already growing.

With a squad that is extremely similar to the 2016 State Championship winners, coach Roblee says she’s just ready to get to work.

“We are going to be very balanced and we’re very excited about that,” said head coach Kieran Roblee..

The rams will look for returning sophomores Kenidi MacDonald and Julie Castleman to have productive seasons as well as senior Marina Gonzalez, who is coming off a season which saw her get All-State at the state tournament last year.

Two freshman to look out for this year are Lexi and Julia Pagani, who come in from Buchanan High School.

“I’m confident in what they bring, they’re fiery and aggressive” said MacDonald referring to her new teammates.

The Rrams have also developed a win the day attitude, which has helped keep them focused on the big picture and their own goals.

“We have to perfect the little things like watching film and being responsible off the court,” said sophomore returner Julie Castleman.

For now though, the Rrams will try not to look ahead and will be taking it day by day says coach Roblee. “Adapting to the new energy will be a season long process, something that I must work on,” said MacDonald when referring to the day-by-day steps. Coach Roblee also added how the team must stay focused on the end goal and not get side tracked by anything that may appear.

The Rrams kick off their season on Aug. 30 on the road against none other than American River, in a rematch of the 2018 CCCAA Volleyball state championship. ARC is coming off a 25-7 record with a 13-3 conference.