CHICAGO, Ill. — The Catawba Valley Community College women's basketball team kicked off its preseason this past weekend in the "Windy City" at the Toi Baylor Scrimmage Jamboree.

The Red Hawks competed in four scrimmages during the Jamboree, including against Bryant & Stratton (Wisc.), Olive Harvey College, Henry Ford Community College and Southwestern Michigan College.

"This was a great opportunity and exposure for the Lady Red Hawks to compete at a high level," said CVCC women's basketball head coach Tisha England. "I am excited about this group of ladies of their desire and ability to work hard. We have not been able to attend the Toi Baylor Scrimmage Jamboree the past couple of years, but the talent and competition is always competitive. We want to see what we need to work on as a team and push the tempo."

Sophomore guard Rylie Hogg, who is one of four players returning from last year's team that reached their first-ever National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) tournament in Michigan, took a lot away from the experience and grew with her new teammates.

"Bringing in almost a new team this year, we're all learning how to play together," Hogg said. "It was a bit different. We had a good time, but we have to make some adjustments and focus on our defense more. The offense is going to come, but if we can hone in on our defense, we're going to be a great team."

Sabrina Lewis is one of seven new freshmen for the Red Hawks this spring who were able to see their first collegiate action on the court this past weekend.

"The atmosphere was way different from high school," Lewis said. "The intensity is high. The competition is high. Overall it is a different feeling. The little details matter. The hustle plays and the effort we give - we have to take it up 100 notches and just work as a team and do better overall on everything."

The Red Hawks now have a couple of weeks before they return to scrimmage action when they host their annual CVCC Scrimmage Jamboree on Saturday, October. 28. The Red Hawks play Warren Wilson, Spartanburg Methodist and Patrick & Henry during the event, which starts at 10 a.m.