Women's Volleyball 2005 Season Review

Lady Red Hawks improve under first-year head coach

- (12/13/2005)

Coming off a 12-20 season a year-ago, the women’s volleyball team ended with a much improved 8-9 record.  With just three returners from the 2004 squad, the Lady Red Hawks, under first-year head coach Melissa Church, have battled through a tough transition. 

Leaving NCCAA Division II and its regional and national tournament opportunities behind, the ladies have made drastic improvements to their record despite the lengthened and strengthened California Pacific Conference schedule.  The signs of change are evident in a very young squad, with just three upperclassman to the 14 freshman and sophomores, including four redshirts.
 
The Lady Red Hawks jumped to a 3-1 start in early September before the Cal Pac schedule hit hard.  Since then, they consistently battled right around the .500 mark.  Despite a 5-13 conference record last year, the Lady Red Hawks finished just under .500 in conference.  

While it is a young team, veterans have led the way.  Senior setter Darlene Bower(Sr., Vacaville) stabilizes the offense and was rewarded with Cal Pac Setter of the Week honors after leading the team to a win over William Jessup.  

Shasta College transfer Carly Bagshaw(Jr. Red Bluff) is the force in the middle for the Red Hawks, smashing nearly double the number of kills of anyone else on the team.  Bagshaw and Bower were rewarded for their strong seasons by being named to the All-California Pacific Conference teams.

Losing just two seniors, Coach Church already has a deep squad for next year that she can pick and choose quality recruits.