With the Gavilan women's volleyball team up 18-7 in the fourth set of their match against visiting Chabot, the Lady Rams were rolling, only seven points away from closing out their 13th victory of the season. But Kramer had a point to make to his team, and he continued to make it even after his players had broken from the huddle. Following them onto the court, Kramer yelled at the top of his lungs for his club to finish what it had started.

"It's something we've had trouble with all year, having that fire to close out the match," Kramer said following the game. "Young players don't have the experience of closing out games, but we're teaching it."

With Kramer helping to keep the team focused, the match was finished just minutes later as freshman middle blocker Cheyenne Hambey stuffed a last-ditch effort by Chabot and slid to her knees in celebration, giving Gavilan the win 25-23, 25-15, 22-25, 25-14.

The Lady Rams are now 13-8 overall, 4-1 in Coast Conference play.

Freshman outside hitter Bri Romero, of San Benito High School, led the way for Gavilan with nine kills and three aces, sharing the team-high in slams with sophomore Teresa Hodges, who also had nine kills. Sophomore Jamie Skocko led the team in assists with 23.

"We just stay energized and kind of be loud," Romero said of the team's overall effort in pulling out the victory.

Arica Hernandez was another Lady Rams freshman that had a major role in the outcome, putting away seven kills, most of which came in the fourth and final set.

"We've moved her around a lot," Kramer said, noting that Hernandez played middle blocker in high school but has more use to Gavilan as an outside attacker. "She's really coming around."

Hernandez said her play often goes up a level when it matters most.

"I think I do good under pressure," she said. "The first couple sets were terrible for me , but I picked up the slack."

Gavilan will now try to pick up a couple more victories as it chases Cabrillo, which is currently first in the Coast Conference. Kramer said he thinks second place is definitely reasonable, but Cabrillo "may be out of reach."

The Lady Rams will host West Valley College at 6:30 p.m. tonight. Kramer expects a similar challenge to the one Gavilan received from Chabot.

"They're real scrappy," Kramer said. "Kind of a mirror image."