Folsom, Calif -- The Hawks started the season with a strong match-up with #18 state-ranked Columbia in a 2-day event at Folsom Lake College. Last season, both teams were playoff participants. Columbia returns 7 players that played with poise and experience. The Hawks have 3 returning players and many freshmen.

CRC's 6'9 starting freshmen center Dillon Iyawe was a force in much of the first half. He collected 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the first 6 minutes of play. His play helped keep the game close for much of the half.

With Columbia leading 29-23 with about 4 minutes before intermission, CRC gave up some timely offensive rebounds and second chance points to Columbia that led to a 9-0 run and 38-23 deficit with 2:06 to play. At the break, CRC found themselves down 46-29.

In the second frame, CRC started off slow and Columbia extended their lead to as much as 26 points at 61-35 with 15:47 remaining. Head Coach Jonathan James called a timeout and helped them regroup. After that, CRC played much more composed and driven. Led by starting sophomore guard Brandon Gray, the Hawks slowly and consistently chipped away at the deficit with solid defense and balanced scoring.

Over the next 10 minutes, CRC went on a steady 31-12 run and cut the Columbia lead to 73-66 with 5:59 to play off a steal and assist by freshman shooting guard Adam Orr to Gray for a fastbreak layup. This forced a Columbia timeout. From there, the closest the Hawks got was a 81-74 deficit at the 2:24 mark. Cosumnes River fell short 90-76.