CHSAANow

Category: Girls Volleyball

  • All-state volleyball teams for the 2019 season

    The 2019 all-state volleyball teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These team were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues and then a vote of coaches.

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    Class 5A

    Chaparral Fossil Ridge football
    (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Player of the year: Julianna Dalton, Chaparral

    Coach of the year: Amanda West, Chaparral

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Emma Ammerman Chaparral OH Senior
    Sydney Cole Cherokee Trail S Senior
    Julianna Dalton Chaparral OH Senior
    Anna Davis Valor Christian MB Senior
    Cassie Davis Highlands Ranch OH Senior
    Rylie Kadel Legend MH Junior
    Hannah Serbousek Fort Collins OH Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Audrey Black Eaglecrest OH/RS Senior
    Peyton Dunn Legend S Junior
    Hope Hanak-Harper Broomfield RS Senior
    Leanne Lowry Castle View L Senior
    Amaya Messier Cherokee Trail OPP Junior
    Caroline Reinkensmeyer Valor Christian S Senior
    Anjelina Starck Rampart OH/S Junior

    Honorable mention: Joy Aburto, Freshman, Vista PEAK Prep; Jessie Bilello, Senior, Heritage; Bri Binder, Senior, Dakota Ridge; Talia Borenstein, Senior, Cherry Creek; Shelle Brozek, Senior, Gateway; Rachel Coffey, Senior, Fruita Monument; Trinity Corney, Senior, Fort Collins; Jolie Cranford, Sophomore, Highlands Ranch; Katie Dalton, Sophomore, Chaparral; Amelia Davis, Junior, Arapahoe; Queen Emenyonu, Senior, Hinkley; Kira Ervin, Senior, Overland; Vicki Fankell, Senior, Broomfield; Brianna Fay, Junior, Ralston Valley; Cindy Garcia, Senior, Bear Creek; Libby Goodman, Senior, Rock Canyon; Shelby Hernandez, Senior, Brighton; Faith Horton, Senior, Pine Creek; Sierra Hunt, Senior, Rangeview; Laurel Kelly, Senior, Ralston Valley; Gabrielle Kuzma, Senior, Valor Christian; Elsa Lamphere, Senior, Grandview; Chloe Nordstrom, Senior, Grand Junction Central; Abi Nua, Junior, Columbine; Breklyn Pulling, Sophomore, Mountain Vista; Caroline Pung, Senior, Chatfield; Riley Simpson, Junior, Rampart; Lauren Strain, Senior, Horizon; Ella Tschuor, Junior, Chatfield; Sabrina VanDeList, Senior, Fort Collins; Kea Veenendaal, Senior, Fairview; Gabby Vogt, Senior, Eaglecrest; Faith Zehnder, Senior, Lakewood.

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    Class 4A

    (Derek Regensburger/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Gianna Bartalo, Lewis-Palmer

    Coach of the year: Wade Baxter, Lewis-Palmer

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Riley Anderson Palmer Ridge OH/OPP Junior
    Gianna Bartalo Lewis-Palmer L Senior
    Reagan Emery Pueblo West OH Senior
    Kinley Gomez Pueblo County OH Junior
    Danielle Norman Lewis-Palmer OH Senior
    Karlee Pinell Cheyenne Mountain OH Sophomore
    Caitlin Volkmann Silver Creek MB/OH/OPP Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Jessica Amend Erie S/RS Senior
    Amara Austin Coronado MB Senior
    Peyton Frank Holy Family L/DS Senior
    Kyra Kisting Palmer Ridge S Freshman
    Leah Lester Discovery Canyon OH/RS Senior
    Sammy Meehan Pueblo County OH Senior
    Izabella Williams Thomas Jefferson OH/DS Senior

    Honorable mention: Bella Adams, Sophomore, Pueblo West; Grace Baxter, Senior, Canon City; Mari Benitez, Senior, Pueblo County; Quincey Coyle, Sophomore, Mead; Emma Delich, Junior, Cheyenne Mountain; Hayley Dillon, Senior, Evergreen; Emma Freimuth, Junior, D’Evelyn; Sarah Garner, Senior, Woodland Park; Zoe Gibbs, Sophomore, Niwot; Sophia Hoffman, Senior, D’Evelyn; Tatum Huffman, Senior, Battle Mountain; Kaitlyn Johnson, Senior, Glenwood Springs; Natalia Lambos, Junior, Air Academy; Alicia Lest, Junior, Pueblo Central; Sky Lieurance, Senior, Eagle Valley; Kinley Lindhardt, Sophomore, Frederick; Christal Lucero, Sophomore, Lincoln; Kendyl MacAskill, Junior, Palisade; Elle Maggio, Senior, Thomas Jefferson; Hailee Martinez, Junior, Mead; Abbie McCrimmon, Junior, Thompson Valley; Diamond Moore Heath, Senior, Harrison; Bahati Nabindu, Junior, Skyview; Millie O’Ketter, Senior, Durango; Izzy Oss, Senior, George Washington; Erin Paik, Senior, Standley Lake; Brenna Reagan, Junior, Fort Morgan; Abigail Rupp, Senior, Canon City; Madison Satterly, Senior, Montrose; Kate Sebesta, Senior, Erie; Abigail Stoops, Senior, Skyline; Carlie Sweckard, Junior, Pueblo South; Allison Waller, Sophomore, Berthoud; Emilie Warehime, Senior, Weld Central; Linsey Whipple, Senior, Pueblo East.

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    Class 3A

    (Derek Regensburger/MaxPreps)

    Player of the year: Payton Brgoch, Lutheran

    Coach of the year: Lisa Schumacher, Sterling

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Andie Anderson Eaton S Senior
    Payton Brgoch Lutheran MH Senior
    Jade Feather Sterling L/DS Senior
    Kennedey Johnson Lutheran S/OH Senior
    Jordan Mobbley Alamosa S Senior
    Allure Padilla Faith Christian S/RS Senior
    Charlie Tidwell Colorado Springs Christian OH/MH/RS Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Angela Ariunbat DSST: Montview – Senior
    Delaney Eckhardt Valley S/MB Senior
    Sydney Henry Sterling OH/RS/S Sophomore
    Kaylee Johnson Sterling MH/OH/RS Sophomore
    Allie Schumacher Sterling S/RS Junior
    Claire Smith Platte Valley OH Senior
    Maddy Williams Lamar MH/OH Senior

    Honorable mention: Jacky Alvarez Gordillo, Senior, Eagle Ridge Academy; Samanta Andrade, Senior, Basalt; Fabiola Armendariz, Junior, The Pinnacle; Reese Barber, Junior, Bennett; Taylor Boeyink, Senior, Stargate School; Emma Cable, Senior, Eagle Ridge Academy; Kathy Cesta, Senior, DSST: College View; Emily DePriest, Senior, Alamosa; Jubilee Diamond, Senior, Colorado Springs Christian; Sydney Dunning, Freshman, Lamar; Mavis Edwards, Senior, Bayfield; Makenna Hachen, Senior, Faith Christian; Jeorgia Jones, Sophomore, Resurrection Christian; Eliana Katzer, Senior, SkyView Academy; Makayla Kehmeier, Senior, Cedaredge; Emma Koch, Senior, The Academy; Jada Lawson, Junior, DSST: Montview; Sydney Leffler, Junior, Eaton; Sierra Leopold, Junior, Prospect Ridge Academy; Haley Maeurer, Senior, St. Mary’s Academy; Logan Mahnke, Senior, Jefferson Academy; Hayden Mayo, Senior, La Junta; Abby Miller, Junior, Colorado Springs Christian; Harper Minton, Senior, Liberty Common; Teagan Nevada, Senior, Manitou Springs; Lindsey Pratt, Senior, Buena Vista; Kaitlyn Quinlan, Senior, Centauri; Merrill Rollhaus, Senior, Colorado Academy; Loghan Teter, Senior, Grand Valley; Taylor Wiescamp, Junior, Coal Ridge; Kylie Williams, Junior, University; Jenna Wise, Senior, Gunnison; Avery Wright, Sophomore, Montezuma-Cortez.

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    Class 2A

    Denver Christian Wiggins volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    Player of the year: Jacki Bogner, Denver Christian

    Coach of the year: Russ Haman, Denver Christian

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Jacki Bogner Denver Christian MH/OH Junior
    Emma DeSanti West Grand S/MH/OH Senior
    Julia Dinwiddie Meeker MH Senior
    Mayson Fago Union Colony Prep OH/OPP Senior
    Sidney Hines Limon MH/OH Senior
    Anna Kaemingk Denver Christian OH/S Senior
    Kaitlyn Rector Simla – Junior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Jordan Elder Dolores MH Senior
    Paige Finegan Wiggins MB/MH Senior
    Makayla Howell Ignacio MB/OPP/OH Senior
    Kaley Pieper Fowler MB Junior
    Desirae Pisano Union Colony Prep S Senior
    Jenna White Wiggins S Junior
    Alyssa Winter Highland L Senior

    Honorable mention: Erin Brown, Sophomore, Dolores; Alex Camilletti, Senior, Hayden; Payton Connolly, Senior, Vail Mountain; Emily Flanscha, Sophomore, Fowler; Annaliese Fricke, Sophomore, Fountain Valley; Morgan Geiger, Senior, Soroco; Bre Gilliland, Junior, Wiggins; Lyla Hayutin-Baril, Senior, Paonia; Bailey Hobson-Kroll, Senior, Gilpin County; Addie Joy, Senior, Meeker; Lexi Linafelter, Senior, Vail Mountain; Sarina Mansour, Senior, Colorado Springs School; Trista Marx, Sophomore, Limon; Chloe Mason, Senior, Fountain Valley; Chloe McComas, Junior, Del Norte; Averie Navarette, Senior, Hoehne; Reagan Nolin, Senior, Yuma; Danika Petit, Senior, Telluride; Hannah Piland, Senior, Plateau Valley; Ashlyn Romine, Senior, Rye; Elle Roth, Sophomore, Yuma; Nicole Scribner, Junior, Dawson School; Mercedes Smith, Junior, Simla; Riley Stearns, Junior, Peyton; Emily Sullivan, Sophomore, Denver Christian; Kristin Vieselmeyer, Sophomore, Holyoke; Makena Weber, Junior, Clear Creek; Amy Weisensee, Senior, Limon; Brooke Younger, Senior, Limon.

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    Class 1A

    Merino La Veta volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    Player of the year: Nya Sciacca, La Veta

    Coach of the year: Doug Kamery, Fleming

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Reyna Isenbart Kit Carson – Senior
    Kendyl Kirkwood Fleming S/MH/MB Junior
    Kimberlyn Krise Briggsdale – Senior
    Brooke Mertens Merino MB/MH/S Senior
    Desi Ortivez La Veta OH/MB Senior
    Nya Sciacca La Veta OH/DS/MB Senior
    Ryely Smartt Genoa-Hugo/Karval OH/MH Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Whitney Chintala Fleming OH Sophomore
    Koylynn Gulliford Cotopaxi MH/MB Junior
    Kally Kirkwood Fleming MB Freshman
    Olivia Lay Elbert – Junior
    Rachel Patterson Otis – Senior
    Madison Sutter Merino S Junior
    Alison Wilson South Baca [Campo/Vilas/Pritchett] MB Senior

    Honorable mention: Amy Antes, Senior, Evangelical Christian; Jenna Baugh, Junior, Norwood; Becca Bleak, Junior, Otis; Shealee Coleman, Junior, Cotopaxi; Lexi Crane, Senior, Springfield; Talia Donoho, Senior, Briggsdale; Lauren Fritzler, Senior, Merino; Cassie Gatlin, Senior, Dove Creek; Mary Goins, Junior, La Veta; Alissa Hebberd, Junior, South Baca [Campo/Vilas/Pritchett]; Mary Jefferson, Senior, Arickaree/Woodlin; Katelyn Klann, Junior, Flagler/Hi-Plains; Kylie Krise, Sophomore, Briggsdale; Lexis Metz, Senior, Sangre de Cristo; Avery Palmgren, Junior, Sangre de Cristo; Emily Raymond, Senior, Mile High Academy; Savannah Rothbauer, Senior, Stratton/Liberty; Macy Rowan, Junior, Wiley; Ciera Schelling, Senior, Haxtun; Tessa Smith, Junior, Genoa-Hugo/Karval; Emma Stump, Senior, Prairie; Sara Torres, Senior, Belleview Christian; Zoey Vandenbark, Sophomore, Fleming.

  • Video: A look back at the 2019 state volleyball tournament

    A dramatic look back at the 2019 state volleyball tournament, including all the dogpiles, celebrations and championship moments.

  • Volleyball committee: New seeding criteria, 1A regionals, initial plans for boys

    Fowler Del Norte volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    AURORA — The volleyball committee is recommending a new seeding criteria to be used in the postseason — and a move from the districts to regionals in Class 1A.

    The group voted to approve the use of a three-pronged approach to seeding, using data from the RPI standings, MaxPreps rankings, and the CHSAANow coaches poll. This follows a similar seeding process used for the first time by 1A-5A football this year, and follows the lead of field hockey, which is also recommending the use of the three data points.

    “I feel that volleyball is in a great spot right now, and we’re really excited to incorporate new seeding criteria for next year,” said CHSAA assistant commissioner Bethany Brookens. “We value the coaches’ input and the more data we can use for seeding, the more accurate it will be.”

    The CHSAANow coaches poll is open to all head coaches in the state, and they only vote in their own classification. All head coaches are required to vote in eight of 10 weeks during the regular season in order to be eligible to vote for seeding.

    League champions will continue to automatically qualify for regionals, and the remainder of the regional field will be filled by the final RPI standings of the regular season.

    The committee also further defined what changes can be made to seeding based upon geography and league opponents.

    League opponents will only be changed in regions if the top two seeds in each region are from the same league, and teams may only move up or down one seed.

    Teams can only be moved for geography if they are a No. 3 seed in the region, and they may be moved at maximum four seeds.

    The changes to the seeding criteria followed a vote to move away from the district format in Class 1A.

    The committee voted to change to a 24-team regional format where the top eight seeds will host a region, and each of the eight regions will automatically qualify to the state tournament. The remaining four teams will be selected from non-qualifiers based upon the final RPI standings of the regular season.

    “I’m excited that 1A is moving away from districts and into regionals so that they are in line with the other classifications,” Brookens said. “We value 1A volleyball and we’re excited for them to join the rest of the state with regionals.”

    Additionally, the committee recommended that all teams play a minimum of 18 matches against member schools and varsity opponents.

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    Setting up the initial boys season

    The committee also discussed the upcoming first sanctioned season of boys volleyball, which will begin in the spring of 2021. They agreed that the format would mirror that of the girls, including the state tournament format, and seeding criteria.

    “We’ve put in a lot of work to get girls volleyball to the point where it is now, and we believe boys will also thrive using the same model,” Brookens said.

    The plan is to have one classification during the initial season. The date of the first state tournament was set for May 6-8, 2021.

    One other item that needs to be decided is a venue for the state championships.

    “I’ll be exploring all sorts of options,” Brookens said.

  • Photos from the final day of the state volleyball tournament

    DENVER — The third and final day of the 2019 state volleyball championships was on Saturday at the Denver Coliseum.

    Photos from select matches are below.

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    1A: Fleming vs. Merino

    By Dustin Price

    Merino Fleming volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

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    2A: Denver Christian vs. Wiggins

    By Dustin Price

    Denver Christian Wiggins volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

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    3A: Lutheran vs. Alamosa

    By Paul DiSalvo

    Lutheran Alamosa volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

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    5A: Chaparral vs. Legend

    By Paul DiSalvo

    Legend Chaparral volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

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    5A: Rampart vs. Valor Christian

    By Paul DiSalvo

    Rampart Valor Christian volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

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    2A: Limon vs. Simla

    By Dustin Price

    Limon Simla volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

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    2A: Briggsdale vs. La Veta

    By Dustin Price

    Briggsdale La Veta volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

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    5A: Valor Christian vs. Fort Collins

    By Paul DiSalvo

    Valor Christian Fort Collins volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

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    4A: Palmer Ridge vs. Cheyenne Mountain

    By Ray Chen

    Palmer Ridge Cheyenne Mountain volleyball
    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

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    4A: Lewis-Palmer vs. Coronado

    By Ray Chen

    Lewis-Palmer Coronado volleyball
    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

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    5A: Chaparral vs. Valor Christian

    By Ray Chen & Paul DiSalvo

    Chaparral volleyball team champions
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

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    3A: Sterling vs. Lutheran

    By Paul DiSalvo

    Sterling Lutheran volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

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    2A: Denver Christian vs. Limon

    By Dustin Price

    Denver Christian Limon volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    1A: Fleming vs. Briggsdale

    By Dustin Price

    Fleming Briggsdale volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

  • 1A volleyball: Fleming wins program’s seventh championship

    Fleming volleyball team champions
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER — Fleming claimed its seventh state volleyball championship on Saturday night, sweeping Briggsdale to do so.

    The fourth-seeded Wildcats claimed the Class 1A title with a 25-16, 25-14, 25-20 victory.

    Sophomore outside hitter Whitney Chintala had the game-winning kill.

    “It was so great,” said Chintala. “I couldn’t have ended it any better, it was awesome.”

    The first set was very back-and-forth, initially, but Fleming led the first set the entire way, with their largest lead being nine. Fleming took the first set 25-16.

    Fleming took the first four points to start off the second set, but Briggsdale came roaring back to tie it at four apiece. However, the Wildcats began to pull away, first leading by four and then soon by eight on two separate occasions. Suddenly, the lead was 12.

    A timeout called by Falcons head coach Kelley Hale did little to stop the Wildcats’ momentum, as they cruised to a 25-14 win.

    “When we play against great teams like that, it’s important that we do great things and get great kills like that,” said freshman middle blocker Kally Kirkwood. “We just always try our hardest to be as aggressive as we can which is the best thing.”

    “Yes, always aggressive,” added Chintala. “And from the team talking to us, it helps us to be more aggressive.”

    Fleming was 3-1 in previous matchups this season against Briggsdale before tonight’s championship game.

    “This is the fifth time that we have played them,” said Wildcats head coach Doug Kamery. “So, you just get to know a team — of course they get to know us, as well — but we just tried to work on their weaknesses and play our strengths.”

    Fleming volleyball team champions
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Fleming lead by seven four times in the third set, but Briggsdale refused to go out without a fight, drawing within three twice in the set. However, the Fleming offensive would prove to be too lethal as the Wildcats closed out the best of five series in the minimum amount, winning the third set 25-20.

    “It’s awesome,” said Kamery. “The other coach from the Briggsdale team, Derek Herbert, started this whole realm. This is our 14th consecutive year (going) to state (and) finishing Final 4 or better so it’s just really exciting.”

    “It feels so great,” agreed Chintala. “Last year being a freshman, we made it to the final four. Both (of) my sisters have been in the championship and this year, just taking it, it feels great to be a part of it.”

    “It’s such an amazing feeling to step out onto the floor with such an amazing group of girls and finally get to win with all of them,” said Kirkwood. “It’s just been a great year and we’ve all come together as a team. It’s been so fun to have such a great group of girls to work with.”

  • 2A volleyball: Denver Christian wins program’s first championship

    Denver Christian volleyball team champions
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER — In a matchup of the tournament’s top two seeds, No. 1 Denver Christian defeated No. 2 Limon 3-1 for the Class 2A state volleyball championship.

    The two teams met in September and Denver Christian walked away with a win, but Denver Christian knew that a rematch was going to be difficult.

    “When we met in earlier in the season I knew we would see them again and that they would be tough team to beat,” said head coach Russ Haman. “You have to give it up to Limon because they are a great team.”

    Denver Christian came out fighting and began the first set with a win 25-14. But the Limon Badgers weren’t phased and came back strong to take the second set 25-20. Limon’s Trista Marx and Sidney Hines provided the Badgers with the several kills and blocks that helped them take the second set.

    But the momentum turned as Denver Christian’s Emily Sullivan and Marissa Bol provided several aces and blocks that gave the Thunder the lead and win for the third set 25-15.

    As the fourth set began, Denver Christian hit its stride and it showed.

    “This group of girls plays so well together and we just got in our groove,” said Junior Jacki Bogner. “We just approached every play and every match as if it was the first one and it helped us to be comfortable.”

    Standing at 6-foot-3, Denver Christian’s Jacki Bogner provided her team with several key plays that gave the Thunder the momentum needed to win the last match.

    With the state title on the line at 24-10, Bogner approached the line and served with a cool, calm, and laid-back attitude.

    “I just approached it that it was 0-0,” Bogner said. “I knew my team had my back and to just look at it as the first play of the set, it’s just a great feeling to be able to win this for our school and the all of the seniors on the team.” 

    The season has been a magical one for Denver Christian who went undefeated all season with an impressive record of 28-0.

    Despite losing to Yuma in last year’s tournament, the Thunder approached this game as any other. They won the program’s first title, and Denver Christian is excited and hopeful for the future growth and success of volleyball at the school.

    “We’ve worked so hard this season and today it showed,” said Haman. “I’m so proud of these girls and what they have accomplished and it makes me so excited to continue growing the volleyball program and grow with the group of girls we have.”

    Denver Christian volleyball team champions
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

  • 5A volleyball: Chaparral rallies to win championship

    More photos. (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER — It feels like we’ve seen this before, only slightly different.

    For the second year in a row, Chaparral and Valor Christian met in the Class 5A volleyball state championship match. Only this time it was the Chaparral Wolverines who came out on top defeating the Eagles, 23-25, 26-24, 25-11, 25-23 to claim their program’s third volleyball title and avenge last season’s finals loss.

    And for Julianna and Katie Dalton, whose older sisters were on the team the last time Chaparral won state in 2010 and 2011, it was an extra special moment to bring a trophy of their own back to Chaparral High and place it next to the others.

    “I don’t think we played our best volleyball but this team, we knew we weren’t going to lose,” Julianna Dalton said. “There was no doubt in our minds and all of us wanted it just as bad as the person next to us. It was a rematch of last year so we wanted it even more. The last time we won was with my sisters and it’s me and my sister, so it’s just an honor and I’m so happy we did it for the school.”

    Seeded No. 1 overall, Chaparral also beat No. 4 Valor Christian in the third round of this year’s double-elimination Olympic crossover bracket on Friday. The Wolverines lost only two matches this season and avenged one of them with a 25-17, 29-27, 20-25, 29-27 win over rival Legend in the semifinals.

    After dropping the first set in the finals, Chaparral head coach Amanda West said she was impressed with the Wolverines’ ability to remain focused and get back on track.

    “We leaned on our strengths, which are our versatility and our team chemistry,” West said. “I think those two things, especially there in that second set where we were down and had to battle back up to win by two, that was pretty key for us. I knew this team had what it took and we went out in our first match of the season and lost big to Cherokee Trail in their home gym so we kept talking about how we don’t want to feel that way anymore and what we were going to do to avoid that.

    “This was always in the back of our minds but the goal was to stay present. It’s cool to see all of that hard work from all of us pay off.”

    The Eagles rallied through the elimination bracket and swept No. 7 Fort Collins, 25-21, 25-21, 25-18 in the semifinals on Saturday to reach the championship match on Saturday night. Valor Christian won its first volleyball state title last season and has played in either the 5A or 4A state championship match in each of the last three seasons.

    Chaparral volleyball team champions
    More photos. (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

  • 3A volleyball: Sterling beats Lutheran to claim state championship

    Sterling Lutheran volleyball
    More photos. (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    DENVER — Sterling won a dream matchup over Lutheran to capture the Class 3A state volleyball championship Saturday night at the Denver Coliseum.

    The Tigers overcame a setback in game one and roared to victories in the final three games (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-23) to wrestle the crown away from Lutheran, the 2018 state champs.

    Both teams were a perfect 28-0 on the season. Both were 10-0 en route to winning league championships, going 30-2 in sets.

    Prior to Saturday night’s match, Sterling held a 76-7 edge over its opponents in sets, while Lutheran was 74-10.

    Even their team nicknames are similar: Lutheran Lions and Sterling Tigers.

    But Sterling ran off the court with the trophy by taking small steps and believing in their head coach, Lisa Schumacher.

    “The entire season we talked about not focusing on the outcome, but rather focusing on the process, she explained. “What do we have to do, step-by-step-by-step, to reach our goals?”

    For Sterling, it marked the second state volleyball championship in school history. The Tigers won a 4A crown in 2005.

    Things looked bleak for Sterling midway through the second set when it found itself trailing 16-6.

    But sophomore outside hitter Kaylee Johnson keyed a comeback by Sterling, smashing five kills during a 19-7 run as the Tigers won the set and tied the match.

    From there, Sterling made enough plays on offense and seemingly had answers for Lutheran’s high-powered offense.

    And when Valarie Allen’s attack went off the Lutheran block and out of bounds on match point, the celebration began for the Tigers.

    “It feels so good!” said Johnson. “We found ourselves in a hole after the first set. But we didn’t let ourselves get too down, and in the next three sets we continued to fight.”

    “Every time, they never looked to the end,” Schumacher added. “Even when we were down four points, they were going: ‘one more point, three more points.’ Our goal this year was to focus on the process. Step-by-step, you can attain anything.

    “But the harder you work, the luckier you get.”

    The last meeting between the two teams was a little more than two years ago, when Lutheran handed Sterling a 3-1 loss at the state tournament.

    “Lutheran is a big powerhouse; they’re very good,” Schumacher said. “We respect our opponents … every opponent we had this weekend. But it’s always fun when you can beat a great team.”

    Before Saturday night, the Lions had won 33 matches in a row going back to last year.

    Lutheran’s last loss was Nov. 8, 2018, to Eaton on the first day of the state tournament.

    As she watched her players hug and scream and call out to their families and friends in the stands after the win, Schumacher processed a giant smile.

    “I have been blessed … I have been very blessed,” she revealed. “Every step of the way.”

    More photos. (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

  • 4A volleyball: Lewis-Palmer downs Palmer Ridge; claims fourth straight title

    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    DENVER — The echoes of the scoring celebrations reverberated throughout a mostly empty Denver Coliseum. The remaining onlookers glanced at the east side of the floor. Lewis-Palmer was still playing, trying to close out the final match of the night.

    Trying to win a fourth consecutive Class 4A volleyball championship.

    Throughout the season, the Rangers overcame doubt and lowered expectations. On Saturday alone, they overcame a 2-0 deficit to Coronado. They overcame a coaching goof to start the championship match. At the end of the night, they stood exactly where they’re used to standing; with championship gold in their hands.

    For the fourth year in a row and the sixth time in seven years, Lewis-Palmer is the 4A champion of volleyball. They became champions by winning the battle of Monument and beating rival Palmer Ridge 20-25, 25-21, 25-18, 21-25, 15-9.

    “I think this showed our mental maturity,” senior Dani Norman said. “I think every girl on this team has worked so hard to not only improve their skills, but to improve their mentalities. We’ve learned how to adjust quickly instead of getting down on ourselves.”

    The slow start to the match was prompted by a genuine mistake by coach Wade Baxter. He flipped two numbers on his rotation card and the mistake cost the Rangers (21-8 overall) well into the set.

    “I just transposed two numbers,” Baxter said. “I’ve been putting the line up in that way all year but we should’ve caught it at the beginning. That’s on me.”

    He was quick to point out that it wasn’t the reason that the Rangers dropped the set. He thought the Bears (21-9) battled through that first set and earned every bit of that win.

    But once the weight of the mistake was off and the team was able to play freely in that second set, a glimpse of the L-P team that most in the Coliseum were expecting came out. Norman and Maggie Masters were swinging hard, converting on clutch kills and trying to be equally as dangerous when blocking. They jumped up to a 2-1 lead after the third set and felt at ease because they knew they were going after something they wanted and something they believed they could get.

    “We were willing to fight harder,” Norman said. “We wanted it more. I said that to my team. Nobody wants it as much as us because we have such big shoes to fill. And we felt that we had to do it this year.”

    The Bears battled and took the fourth set to even the match and send it to round five where so much was on the line. League bragging rights, town bragging rights and state bragging rights were all balled into whomever could score 15 points first.

    “I think we just needed to like be disciplined in the little things and make sure that we didn’t like get too overwhelmed with how tired we are or their crowd getting louder,” Gianna Bartalo said. “We just wanted to do the little things to make sure we were disciplined.”

    They jumped out to a quick 6-3 lead and a big Norman kill prompted Palmer Ridge coach Trevor Sullivan to call timeout. A kill from Madison Wilson got the Bears the serve back, but they were never able to rattle off consecutive points until the set was out of reach.

    A combined block from Masters and Peyton Burnett finished the match and set the Rowdy Rangers into a frenzy. During early season matches, a state title felt like a pipe dream. But in a Denver Coliseum that had already seen four championships decided – a time when the Rangers were accustomed to winning theirs – it very much became a reality.

    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

  • Photos from the second day of the state volleyball tournament

    DENVER — The state volleyball tournaments in all classifications continued on Friday. Photos from select matches are below.

    [divider]

    5A: Highlands Ranch vs. Mountain Vista

    By Dustin Price & Paul DiSalvo

    Highlands Ranch Mountain Vista volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    5A: Grandview vs. Cherry Creek

    By Dustin Price & Paul DiSalvo

    Grandview Cherry Creek Volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    [divider]

    1A: Springfield vs. South Baca

    By Dustin Price

    Springfield South Baca volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    1A: Fleming vs. Haxtun

    By Dustin Price

    Fleming Haxtun volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    4A: Pueblo County vs. Cheyenne Mountain

    By Dustin Price

    Pueblo County Cheyenne Mountain volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    4A: Mead vs. Thomas Jefferson

    By Dustin Price

    Mead Thomas Jefferson volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    2A: Fowler vs. Del Norte

    By Dustin Price

    Fowler Del Norte volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    2A: Wiggins vs. Yuma volleyball

    By Dustin Price

    Wiggins Yuma volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    3A: University vs. Lamar

    By Dustin Price & Paul DiSalvo

    University Lamar volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    2A: West Grand vs. Dolores

    By Paul DiSalvo

    West Grand Dolores volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    [divider]

    5A: Valor Christian vs. Chaparral

    By Paul DiSalvo & Ray Chen

    Valor Christian Chaparral volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    [divider]

    3A: Eagle Ridge vs. Bayfield

    By Dustin Price

    Eagle Ridge Bayfield volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    2A: Union Colony vs. Denver Christian

    By Dustin Price

    Denver Christian Union Colony volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    2A: Simla vs. Fountain Valley

    By Dustin Price

    Simla Fountain Valley volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    4A: Pueblo West vs. D’Evelyn

    By Dustin Price & Ray Chen

    Pueblo West D'Evelyn volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    5A: Rampart vs. Broomfield

    By Dustin Price

    Rampart Broomfield volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    1A: Genoa-Hugo vs. Wiley

    By Dustin Price

    Genoa-Hugo Wiley volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    1A: Merino vs. La Veta

    By Dustin Price

    Merino La Veta volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    5A: Legend vs. Fort Collins

    By Paul DiSalvo

    Legend Fort Collins volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    [divider]

    5A: Mountain Vista vs. Grandview

    By Paul DiSalvo, Ray Chen & Dustin Price

    Mountain Vista Grandview volleyball
    (PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

    [divider]

    2A: Limon vs. Meeker

    By Ray Chen

    Meeker Limon volleyball
    (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    [divider]

    4A: Cheyenne Mountain vs. Thomas Jefferson

    By Dustin Price

    Thomas Jefferson Cheyenne Mountain volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    3A: Eaton vs. Bayfield

    By Dustin Price

    Eaton Bayfield volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    3A: Sterling vs. Alamosa

    By Dustin Price

    Alamosa Sterling volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    3A: Lamar vs. Faith Christian

    By Dustin Price

    Faith Christian Lamar volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    2A: Fowler vs. Wiggins

    By Dustin Price

    Wiggins Fowler volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    2A: West Grand vs. Simla

    By Dustin Price

    West Grand Simla volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    [divider]

    1A: Fleming vs. Springfield

    By Dustin Price

    Fleming Springfield volleyball
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)