2017 Volleyball Preview: Giants looking to repeat success

In Kim Rix's third season as head coach of the College of the Sequoias women's volleyball team, she once again led the Giants to a winning record.

COS posted a 17-7 record overall, going 13-3 in the Central Valley Conference in 2016. Sequoias were defeated by Cabrillo in round one of the NorCal Regional Playoffs.

Rix is confident she has another group with leadership that can post her fourth consecutive winning season in 2017.

"Valerie Vargas was our starting setter last year and she'll be leading us this season as one of our captains," Rix said.  "Phoebe Todenhoft will be returning to dominate in the back row as a defensive specialist. Freshman Payton Trimm will be a huge offensive threat in the front row, as well as Emily Soto, and sophomore Taylor Keeline."

Vargas started 22 matches last season registering 437 assists. The setter tallied 79 sets and 58.5 points in her freshman year.

In 24 total matches, Todenhoft had 221 digs while averaging 2.91 digs in conference play.

Keeline only appeared in 11 matches, but she tallied 12 kills, 11 sets, and 21 digs.

The Giants travel to Butte to begin the 2017 season in the Butte Classic on Friday, August 25. Opponents are to be determined. Sequoias' home opener is Wednesday, September 13, against Cerro Coso.

"We're really excited about this group of young ladies," Rix said. "They are very determined and dedicated. Fans should expect to see some great athleticism and intense volleyball matches this year."