The majority of sport teams can’t switch its players to different positions and still be a success. A point guard can’t play the position of a center, and a lineman will not do well as a receiver. RHS’s varsity volleyball team has the rare ability and player talent to do just that.

The team has its strong players to help with those tougher games, but the focus is on the team as a whole. Strong players are 6’4’’ Junior Mike Kushman, playing middle hitter and 5’9’’ Sophomore Matt Graves, playing outside hitter and setter. Last summer Kushman and Graves participated in the junior Olympics. Graves made varsity as a freshman as well.

This year’s team has smashed it previous record so far with an 8-1 start. During the last season the team had a four way split against Placer, Oakmont, and Bear River both losing and winning a game against each.

"The team has improved from last year" says coach Lacoste "They are more mature and are ready for the tougher games."

With so much talent, it’s no surprise that RHS’s varsity team is a 3rd seed in the Sacramento region and is battling with Granite Bay, Placer, and Oakmont for placing.

The game against Oakmont went well, with RHS beating the Roseville school in a five game match. The team lost the game versus Granite bay as Kushman was academically ineligible and Daniel Patterson had a rolled ankle.

They have yet to play Placer and Del Oro, but hope to improve on their split record with both teams from last year.

The competition this year is fierce and places are sure to be swapped often, as four Top 10 ranked teams battle for spots. Most games are important as there are no playoffs for volleyball, so performance is determined by record.

"There are no big games right now," says Lacoste, "Those come when we at the end of the season and are fighting for first, second, or third."

The team finds its strength in its hitting and passing, but Lacoste will look to the whole team to provide a solid game.

"Casey Young and Daniel Patterson are great all around players who can set , block, hit, and pass well." Says coach Lacoste.

With 15 players on the roster, there is a wealth of players to choose from when only six players are needed to field a team. The advantages continue explains Lacoste, "Many players on the team often fit into multiple positions, playing equally well in all. Chester Matkey plays back row and right side. He makes sure our setters get a good pass."

The volleyball program, with the hopes of improving their games in mind, have also gained advantages with the addition of a new Frosh team.

So far the team has done well, and as Lacoste mentions as he goes back to his coaching, "We try to stick with what works."