A young College of the Redwoods volleyball team suffered a pair of losses at the Cougar Classic over the weekend, falling in straight games to Alameda and Los Positas in Alameda.

It was a learning experience for the freshmen-heavy Corsairs as they adjust to the speed of the college game, according to head coach Petra Lorenzi.

“I think they got their eyes opened a little bit,” Lorenzi said.

Redwoods matched up with a pair of teams that already had some playing time under their belts, and it showed.

“It was our first match, and the teams we were playing, it was their third or fourth match, and you could see the difference on the court,” the coach added.

A season-ending injury to freshman Katie Bergor didn’t help matters for the Corsairs.

The CR setter suffered a broken arm and dislocated elbow in the opening game, undergoing surgery on Tuesday.

“She was really playing well,” Lorenzi said of the Oregon native.

Strong freshman class boosts CR volleyball — A strong group of incoming freshmen talent is expected to complement a core group of returning sophomores for College of the Redwoods volleyball this fall …

Positive signs

Despite the losses, there were some bright spots for the Corsairs, who got better as the day went on.

“Our hitting progressively got better throughout the day,” the coach said. “And I think we were the more athletic team. We have the more potential. They just looked more comfortable on the court.”

Starting libero and returning all-conference honorable mention Elise Wilson got the new season off to a strong start, finishing with 16 digs in the second match.

“She really controlled the back court,” Lorenzi said of Wilson. “She passed extremely well.”

Eureka’s Jessica Simon and Faith Jauregui, out of McNary High in Oregon, each also impressed with their serving in the second match.

“That really kind of helped our momentum,” Lorenzi said of the duo who combined for seven aces.

Fortuna’s Mikenzie Polatos added two aces in thet second match.

Another freshman, Ashlynn Maddeoux, also had a solid debut, displaying plenty of potential.

“She did a great job for us executing on the offensive side,” Lorenzi said. “She really brings a great competitive attitude out there, and I think offensively she was our most consistent and dominant player.”

The CR women travel to play at Mendocino College on Wednesday.