COC VOLLEYBALL ALL NEW.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

VALENCIA - The first practice was just starting. The players hadn't had a chance to touch a ball, but they had their coach yelling at them. That's when everyone involved knew this season was going to be different than usual for the College of the Canyons women's volleyball team.

The Cougars are entirely composed of freshmen this season. The lack of a single veteran has reinforced the notion that it takes more than talent to win, as the overwhelming wave of newness has provided an added challenge for the players and their coach - who is used to guiding winning teams.

Although Canyons has the athletic skills to contend in the Western State Conference, skills as basic as setting up a net have proved to be learning experiences for the team that enters Wednesday's match with a 1-1 record.

``At first it was hard,'' Cougars outside hitter/middle blocker Breanna Trudeau said. ``We didn't know what (coach Lisa Hooper) expected of us and there's no older players to tell you. At first we were all looking around seeing what she wanted.

``The first practice, she was mad at us right away. We were slow putting up the nets and she got mad at us. Then she sort of realized, OK, this is all new to them. The rest of the practice went pretty good after that.''

Hooper said she hasn't had a team this young since her first season in 1998. Two players from last season were expected to return, but one left the school and the other decided to redshirt because of an injury. Hooper didn't learn until late June that she wouldn't have any sophomores.

``Even just one player who's been there, done that is a big difference,'' Hooper said. ``I don't have anyone who I can say, `You remember how we did that?' or who's familiar with the way I do things. And they don't have anyone to relate to them what to expect at this level. It's different coming from a teammate than a coach.''

Last week's loss to Irvine Valley was a perfect example of a match in which experience might have made the difference.

``We were a little bit hesitant,'' Hooper said. ``We started to second- guess ourselves. Maybe with a few more matches under their belts they won't be so easily frazzled. ...

``They are still learning just how high some of the players can take their game. The challenge for me is right now I'm not worried about what's going on on the other side of the net. I'm just worried about whether my team is working together and doing what it should be, I don't have time to focus on the other teams yet.''

The depth in a lineup that has yet to be solidified is one of the team's assets. Haley Mays and Natalie Coe are sharing setting duties, and four others are in the rotation as middle blockers. Trudeau and Taryn Maxwell are leading hitters.

``I'm kind of glad we're all on the same boat,'' Trudeau said. ``I think it's better. It's a big learning experience. I think it's better we're all learning together instead of having maybe one or two people who are out ahead of everyone else.''

Only a few of the players had previous experience together, but they have already become close. The Cougars went on a preseason retreat to Mammoth and had other bonding activities, such as a scavenger hunt. They continue to go out dancing and frequently hang out with each other off the court.

The fun continues on the court but in a serious manner that has impressed Hooper.

``Everyone on the team is the type that loves to win,'' Mays said. ``If we lose, yeah, we're all freshmen, so there's no pressure. But we want to win, we aren't waiting for next year.

``We expect ourselves to do a lot better than we have been doing. We just have to get to know each other better. We're getting there.''

Heather Gripp, [phone]

heather.gripp(at)dailynews.com

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College of the Canyons outside hitter/middle blocker Breanna Trudeau plays on a Cougars team made up entirely of first-year college players.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News