A second-place finish at Friday's Modesto Classic was just about all Gavilan women's volleyball coach Kevin Kramer could ask for.
Playing eight sets in one day, the Lady Rams rolled past Merced (25-16, 24-26, 25-19, 25-21) and Modesto (25-21, 28-26, 25-16) before falling in three games to Coast Conference rival Cabrillo (16-25, 26-28, 15-25).
"It was a great chance to see them and a great learning experience to see where they're at and what we need to do to compete with them (in league)," Kramer said. "We're young so we'll learn from that."
Using a balanced approach while on the attack, Gavilan received standout performances from Jamie Skocko (33 assists), Teresa Hodges (11 kills) and Bri Romero (13 kills and 17 digs).
Romero, a freshman from San Benito High School, has been one of the team's most consistent players so far, helping the Lady Rams (3-2) get off to a strong start despite losing do-everything sophomore Jamie Temperino to East Carolina.
"Yeah, she's a stud," Kramer said in reference to the newcomer. "But all of our girls are contributing. Last year we had one girl. This year we can go to anybody and they can all put it away."
In the second contest of the tournament against Modesto, Gavilan was led by Skocko's 21 assists, eight kills from Hodges, and four kills and two blocks by Arica Hernandez. Freshman Cheyenne Hambey was the kill leader against Cabrillo, compiling 10 slams and two blocks.
The team will have several days of practice before taking on Feather River College in the first round of the Delta Classic, which will take place all day Friday and Saturday in Stockton. Gavilan will be viewing the game as a chance at redemption after falling to FRC in its first match of the season in four sets.
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Best in the bus business, again
