Rio Americano Girls Volleyball Battling Through Injuries

The girls volleyball team has had to battle through injuries this season that have left five of the team's dozen players on the sidelines.

Still, the Raiders have a 5-3 record so far following a 3-0 win Monday at Pioneer in Woodland.

"This year, we look pretty strong," said Rio coach John Grix. "We're hoping for 30 wins."

Junior middle blocker and outside hitter Maddie Cannon made the all-tournament team at the junior Olympics and is co-captain for the Raiders.

"I think we have proved how much we want to win this season," Cannon said. "We want to do well and I think we will."

In order to have a successful league season, Rio Americano will have to go through El Camino.

"El Camino is tops in the area," Grix said. "With them, it's always a battle."

Players on both sides have been teammates with each other on club volleyball teams but there's no love lost between the two schools.

"Since this is my last year, I want to have no regrets," said senior setter and co-captain Ariana Garner. "I want to beat El Camino."

The teams match up Sept. 28, Oct. 17 and Nov. 2.

"They're being a little cocky and maybe underestimating us," Cannon said. "El Camino better be ready."

Rio's other team captains are seniors- right side Erika Tabor, middle blocker Heather Horton and outside hitter Lauren Kirschke.

The next Raiders game is at home aginst Cordova at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday.

---

Check back later for an article on the El Camino girls volleyball team.