First year coach Aaron Hedland has high hopes for the Moorpark College Men’s Volleyball 2015 season.

The Raiders fell short of the playoffs by one game last season and look to build on last season with 10 returning players.

“Going to the playoffs is definitely our number one goal this season,” said co-captain Jamal Balkhi. ”If we can do that, state is a possibility.”

Balkhi leads the team, with another returning player from last season, outside hitter Michael Esper. Balkhi and Esper look to keep the team communicating throughout the entire game, and challenge other players to be vocal while on the court.

The Raiders finished last season at 9-10 and were fourth place in the Western State Conference. Hedland, the former Moorpark Alumni and U.C. San Diego Triton, has bigger goals and expectations for the season.

“Our goal is to make the playoffs,” said Hedland. “We also look to have a top three finish in the conference.”

In addition to adding skill and chemistry to the team, the Raiders want to go into each game with a mental advantage. In their first game against the Golden West Rustlers coach Hedland said they did not have their mental game strong throughout the game, and claimed that was a big reason for the loss; the players felt the same way.

“We need to be expecting more going into the game, being more prepared, and having our mental game be the strongest,” said Esper, the former L.A. Baptist Warrior.

This year’s team will be known for defense, hard work, and their commitment to excellence. The Raiders lost their first game, and look to improve from that by getting after it in practice.

“We’re focusing on having a mindful practice,” said Hedland. The big message at practice is to “play chess not checkers.”

This saying is really what this group is all about. Due to the lack of big hitters and tall blockers in the middle, this team will have to put more time in to being prepared before games, having a mental edge, and relying on their defense to win games.

Co-captains Balkhi and Esper are ready to embark on the upcoming season. Each captain with a unique style on court, have the same objectives when it comes to leading the team. In addition to communication, the former Pioneer and Warrior, emphasize staying calm during the game.

“We have a tendency to get crazy during the game,” said Balkhi. “My job is to keep the team in check.”

This team is a tight knit group on and off the court. They’re hardworking and stay in the gym after practice in preparation for the upcoming games. Some key games coach Hedland has circled on the calendar are a well-coached Irvin Valley team, and Orange Coast College, the defending state champions.

Hedland thinks this will be a great way to see where the match up in the big scheme of things, and what they will need to improve on to be state contenders.

The Raiders look to improve their mental game, as well as playing as a whole unit.

“We need to play to take the win,” said Esper. “We can’t play to not lose.”

It is the mentality that coach Hedland looks to instill in this young Raider team as they have the brute part of their schedule over the horizon.