Teams tied for first in 2009
GILROY — Two teams who shared the Coast Conference South title last season renew a budding rivalry as the Gavilan College women’s volleyball team hosts Cabrillo College on Wednesday night in Gilroy.
“It wasn’t (a rivalry) when we first got here,” said head coach Kevin Kramer, who has turned the Rams from a playoff outsider to a conference favorite in his four years at the helm.
“Over the past couple years, I think we have been the one team that has given Cabrillo some trouble. Every year we have gotten closer and obviously took a match from them last year.”
In the teams’ first meeting last season, the Rams dealt the Seahawks a three-set sweep for their lone conference loss. Cabrillo returned the favor in the second clash.
Both teams top the standings again this season.
The Seahawks boast a 16-0 overall record, including a 3-0 start to the conference schedule. By the way, they are also the California Community College Coaches Association’s No. 1-ranked team in the state.
“They are solid in every aspect of their game. They pass well, hit well and serve well. There aren’t a lot of holes there,” Kramer said.
The Rams haven’t exactly missed a beat either this season, jumping to a 10-4 overall record and a shiny 3-0 mark in conference play — all three-set sweeps.
The Rams sit at No. 24 on the Top 25, climbing their way up the list.
“There isn’t a whole lot that is going to surprise us now,” Kramer said.
“The conference has been OK the past couple of years. But looking down your schedule, knowing that one or two or three matches are going to be better than the rest, as far as competition, you gear up for those. We do that, and I know they do that.”
First serve for Wednesday’s match is slated for 6:30 p.m. at Gavilan.
