This will be a year of firsts for the River Islands girls volleyball team.

This will be the first year of varsity competition in the Central California Athletic Alliance for the Riptide, albeit without seniors. This will be the first high school varsity coaching gig for Ellianna Ramirez, and she is ready for the challenge.

“I think for us having no seniors we are going to put up a good fight,” Ramirez said. “I have a freshman, Brielle Hermano, that I brought up to varsity because she stood out to me in tryouts. Her coming out and taking on the role of the setter is very exciting.

“Milya Morales came toward the end of tryouts, and I know she played at Lathrop last year as a sophomore on varsity.”

Morales recently moved to River Islands and plays middle blocker and outside.

“I like it here,” Morales said. “I like the new school and I love this sport.

“I am excited to see what this year will bring because I am new to volleyball here and I hope that we win.”

Hermano is enjoying the quantum leap from eighth grade to varsity high school volleyball.

“This is a lot of pressure as a freshman,” Hermano said. “But I am having fun doing it.

“I am excited for the new season. This is my first time playing high school volleyball and I think our team is going to do well this season.”

Following a tournament this weekend, River Islands hosts Kimball on Monday night at 6.