The City College women’s volleyball team lost six of its starters from last season, but armed with an injection of youth, and a new assistant coach, the Vaqueros are ready for a fresh start.

Led by Kelsey Soos, the Western State Conference north most valuable player, the Vaqueros won their second straight conference title last season, amassing a SBCC-record-tying 21 wins in the process.

Entering his 21st season as head coach of the Vaqueros, Ed Gover faces the tough task to bring together eight freshmen, one transfer and three returning players, while playing top-25-ranked teams in each of their first eight games.

The inexperienced, undersized team relies on quickness and a fast offense to score points, which is why they have just installed a new system to allow them to more aptly benefit from their advantages.

“The girls are growing and getting better each week,” Gover said. “They are starting to come around really well and gel with each other.”

Freshman, Erika Bellitt was appointed captain in her first year playing for City College’s women’s volleyball team. The 5-foot-4-inch powerhouse plays the position of libero – the defensive stud of the team.

“Coach [Gover] gave me the opportunity, and it just worked out that way,” said Bellitt, a graduate from Valley Christian High School in Santa Maria, Calif.

Bellitt said that the team is made up of a “great group of girls.” She wants the team to go to the playoffs “hopefully this year, but we are building towards next year.”

Three newcomers—two freshmen and a transfer—are starting to establish themselves as the heart of the team.

Heidi Van Den Oever transferred from Westmont to City College because she realized that the Christian liberal arts school, located in Santa Barbara, did not have her major program: Business Marketing.

Not only is she going through a school change, but also the Laguna Blanca High School graduate has moved from middle blocker to outside hitter. A change the sophomore noticed, and said that the “skill level at Westmont was better because it is a 4-year college.”

Another local product, freshmen Bianca Castro, who hails from Goleta and graduated from Dos Pueblos High School, joined the team at middle blocker and is already “one of the team’s best players.”

“If we don’t get her 15 sets a game, that’s just crazy,” the 21-year-old assistant coach Arman Zakarian said.

Emily Banas is an offensive weapon at the position of outside hitter. The 5-foot-8-inch freshman was labeled an “impact player” by coach Gover. Hailing from Mary Star of the Sea in San Pedro, Calif., Banas, with her jumping ability and powerful kills, is going to be an asset to the Vaqueros this season.

The Vaqueros played their first home game last Saturday at the SBCC Quad, losing three straight sets to Golden West—a team that, at one point, won 11 straight state championships.

“It’s tough to watch the girls lose,” Zakarian said. “I don’t think the girls believe or trust their abilities yet.”