De Anza College’s beach volleyball program opened its season on Feb. 6 with consecutive matches against Sacramento City College and Butte College.

The five-year-old program hosted its first home games after its new $7.07 million beach volleyball courts finished construction.

“We haven’t had the opportunity yet,” head volleyball coach Dawnis Guevara said. “Prior to this, we’ve had to go to everybody else’s place to compete.”

Some players said they felt excited for their first ever games on campus.

“It feels like an inaugural season having our own home courts,” Esther Alper (De Anza No. 11), 22, biology major, said. “Representing the team with a new chapter is an honor.”

Guevara said the home field advantage shone through at the team’s practices.

“Our growth early in the season right now has been better,” Guevara said. “I’m hopeful it transitions into our wins and losses moving forward.”

As the start of the season approaches, some players look forward to facing their opponents.

“We’ve been playing against each other for weeks now,” Claire Sugrue (De Anza No. 3), 20, accounting major, said. ”It’s fun to see how well we do against new competition.”

Alper said the team prepares with cardio, weights training and scrimmages every day.

“We’re playing actual games against each other, not giving that many breaks so that we know what to prepare,” Alper said. “When game day comes, those days aren’t as hard.”

Sugrue said the team’s strong support and spirit brings energy to games.

“Being able to focus on one team or a certain pair, it’ll be fun to play against another team.”

Alper said she hopes the team draws more fans and lifts its home atmosphere.

“We’re gonna have more of our people around and that’ll help our playing and confidence.”

De Anza went on to win both games, beating Sacramento City 3-2 and shutting out Butte 5-0.