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Tag: Jeffco

  • Standley Lake baseball doubles up Wheat Ridge in 4A Jeffco action

    Standley Lake junior Luke Root, right, slides into home before Wheat Ridge catcher Jack Hamilton can apply a tag during the Gators’ 5-run fifth inning Wednesday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    WHEAT RIDGE — It was a first for Standley Lake senior Connor Peck on Wednesday.

    “We have never beat Wheat Ridge in my four years here,” Peck said after the Gators took a 12-6 victory on the Farmers’ home baseball field. “It feels really great to beat Wheat Ridge finally. It’s a big win for us. We really needed this today.”

    Standley Lake senior Connor Peck eyes the ball during his 3-run triple during the fifth inning Wednesday against Wheat Ridge. The Gators took a 12-6 victory on the Farmers’ home field. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    The Gators (3-2, 3-2 in Class 4A Jeffco League) find themselves just one game in the loss column behind Evergreen (4-1), D’Evelyn (4-1) and Golden (3-1) for the conference lead midway through the league season.

    Standley Lake has league losses to Evergreen and Green Mountain, but has a quality win over Golden. The Demons actually handed Evergreen its first conference loss Wednesday at All-Star Park in Lakewood.

    “This team has so much talent. We just need something to bring it all together,” Standley Lake coach Jesse Lopez said. “ We are starting to find out who we are after facing some tough competition like Wheat Ridge, Golden and Evergreen.”

    The Gators found several different ways to score against Wheat Ridge (2-5, 2-3). Standley Lake took advantage of control issues by the Farmer pitchers and had a number of bunts with runners at third that resulted in runs.

    “We work really hard on the small ball,” Lopez said. “Everything we do is precision based, but it doesn’t work without the long game as well. They go hand-in-hand.”

    Wheat Ridge took a 2-0 lead thanks to a 2-run home run by senior Scott Kingman in the bottom of the first inning, but Standley Lake answered with a 4-run bottom of the second.

    The big inning for the Gators came in the top of the fifth. Standley Lake had a 5-run inning that was topped off with a 3-run triple by Peck.

    Wheat Ridge senior Scott Kingman (8) is greeted at home plate by junior Devon Zurcher (10) after Kingman’s 2-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “It felt great off the bat,” Peck said of the drive to deep right-center field that gave the Gators a commanding 10-4 lead. “That was a real big game-changer. We needed all those runs.”

    On the hill, Lopez utilized four different pitchers. Junior lefty Logan Schmidt went the first three innings. Sophomore Ian Rasmussen threw the next three innings for the Gators. Senior Jakob Worm struck out a pair of batters in the seventh, but was pulled after a pair of walks. Sophomore Cannon Frost got the final out with a strikeout to close out the game.

    “This year we have been so fortunate to have so much depth in our bullpen,” Lopez said. “This is really going to benefit us when we have back-to-back-to-back games. They did great. They threw strikes and the defense got out when they needed to.”

    Wheat Ridge had some chances. The Farmers left a dozen runners on the bases, including leaving the bases loaded in each of the final three innings.

    “Sooner or later we’ve got to get a big hit,” Wheat Ridge coach Adam Miller said. “We squared some ball up today, but they were hit right at guys.”

    It was the third straight loss for the Farmers.

    “We weren’t sharp,” Miller said. “We are in a bad stretch right now. We just aren’t very good right now. I hope that changes.”

    Wheat Ridge returns to action Saturday with a big game against Evergreen before facing rival Golden on Tuesday next week.

    “We’ve got to reel off four or five in a row or it’s ‘Goodnight, Irene’,” Miller said.

    Standley Lake junior Logan Schmidt was one of four Gator pitchers that combined to get a big Class 4A Jeffco League victory over Wheat Ridge on Wednesday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • Arvada West girls soccer remains undefeated after win over Ralston Valley

    Ralston Valley junior Casia Provencal (5) pressures Arvada West junior Adriane Koehler during the first half Monday night at the NAAC. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    ARVADA — It took awhile, but Arvada West’s girls soccer team captured a huge victory Monday night at the North Area Athletic Complex.

    Despite a pair of lightning delays that pushed back the original start time of 5 p.m. by more than two and a half hours, the Wildcats pushed through to grab a 2-1 victory over their rival.

    Arvada West junior Sydney Trinder, left, and Ralston Valley junior Anna Schellpeper battle for possession of the ball during the Class 5A Jeffco League game Monday night at the NAAC. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “We had a wait for so long. It was a mental challenge. We pushed through it,” A-West junior Ashlyn Craig said after the game ended a little after 9 p.m. “We haven’t beat RV for a couple of years. The energy was really high.”

    The last time A-West took a league victory over Ralston Valley was back during the 2016 season.

    “They are all buddies and it’s a fun rivalry game,” A-West coach Troy Gette said.

    Ralston Valley opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a goal by junior Kyla Rosenquist. The junior forward was able to knock in the goal after some good work in deep by Ralston Valley junior Saya Sabus.

    “The girls kind of had it in their minds to keep on working hard no matter what,” Gette said of the Wildcats falling behind early. “Being as young as they are that is what they know. They work hard and let the game come to them.”

    A-West answered in the 15th minute. A direct free kick wasn’t handled cleanly by Ralston Valley senior goalie Lilly VanAlsburg. Wildcat sophomore Aubrey Pixler buried the ball into the back of the net despite a ton of traffic in front.

    Coming out of halftime A-West quickly took its first lead of the game. A direct free kick by Craig missed a number of bodies in front of the net before snaking into the goal. The score in the 46th minute ended up being the game-winning goal.

    Ralston Valley’s Kyla Rosenquist, Saya Sabus and Makenna Hillis (21) celebrate Rosenquist’s goal in the 7th minute Monday night at the NAAC. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “I was hoping for the deflection,” Craig said on her game-winning goal. “I tried to place it for the far corner where the keeper sometimes can see it. There was a jumble in the front and it rolled right in.”

    Gette has instructed Craig to fire a hard low shot toward the far post on the second set piece that yielded a goal for A-West (3-0 record, 3-0 in Class 5A Jeffco League).

    “She (Craig) couldn’t have hit it better,” Gette said of the lone goal in the second half. “On set pieces like that you want to keep it playable. She did that and it worked out for us.”

    Ralston Valley (1-3, 1-2) put some good pressure on A-West junior goalie Veronica Vessa in the final 10 minutes of the game, but the Wildcats were able to preserve the 1-goal victory.

    “Shout out to V (Vessa). She had some great saves,” Craig said.

    Gette said the majority of his young team is seeing its first varsity action this season. He knows the very talented Valor Christian (3-0, 3-0) squad will be tough to knock off this season, but he knows the future is bright for the Wildcats.

    “If this isn’t our year we are definitely building for something special in the future,” Gette said.

    Arvada West junior Ashlyn Craig (20) sends a pass up the field during a rainy Monday night at the NAAC. Craig’s free kick goal in the 46th minute proved to be the game-winning goal. It’s the first victory for A-West over Ralston Valley in girls soccer action since 2016. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • No. 4 Wheat Ridge girls soccer off to a hot start in Class 4A Jeffco League

    Wheat Ridge sophomore Sadie Powers, right, scores on Conifer sophomore goalie Teagan Eisenring (00) in the 2nd minute during the Class 4A Jeffco League game Monday at Lakewood Memorial Field. The Farmers took a 6-0 victory over the Lobos. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    LAKEWOOD — Wheat Ridge’s girls soccer team is wasting no time when it comes to racking up the victories.

    The Farmers — No. 4 in the Class 4A CHSAANow.com rankings — improved to 3-0 on the season with a dominating 6-0 victory over Conifer on Monday night at Lakewood Memorial Field.

    “Off to a really good start. I’m really pleased with the girls,” Wheat Ridge coach Dan Watkins said. “There hasn’t been enough training to be where we want to be, but we are starting to put things together and creating some combination. We are putting some goals on the board so that feels good.”

    Wheat Ridge junior Emily Browne (3) and Conifer sophomore Josie Griffin (10) battle for control of the ball during the first half Monday at Lakewood Memorial Field. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    All three of Wheat Ridge’s wins have come in 4A Jeffco League play to give the Farmers the lead out of the gates in the deep conference. The Farmers have outscored their opponents 14-1.

    A 2-1 victory out of the gates against league rival Green Mountain last week really jump-started the season for the Farmers.

    “Having the really tough first game I think really prepared us,” Wheat Ridge senior Jessica Brummett said of the Farmers’ 1-goal victory against the Rams. “It got us into the mindset of working hard and staying disciplined early on.”

    The Farmers scored early and often on a cold and rainy Monday night at Lakewood Memorial Field. Sophomore Sadie Powers knocked in the first goal in the 2nd minute off a corner kick. Brummett scored a minute later to make it a 2-0 lead for the Farmers.

    “We couldn’t have asked for a better start,” Coach Watkins said of the Farmers scoring twice in the opening three minutes. “It gives you a chance to relax and let the game come to us. It put us in a good position for the rest of the night.”

    Brummett would complete the hat-trick with goals in the 32nd and 48th minutes to give herself already five goals on the season.

    “I was kind of mad last game because I didn’t get to score, but my teammates have been giving me a lot of good balls and opportunities,” Brummett said. “You just need to finish when you get them.”

    Six different Farmers have found the back of the net so far this season with Brummett leading the way with her handful of tallies.

    Wheat Ridge senior Jessica Brummett (5) scored a hat-trick Monday against Conifer. Brummett had goals in the 3rd, 32nd and 48th minutes in the shutout victory over the Farmers. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “Jess is a good target for us. She is able to turn and puts balls in to the back of the net,” Coach Watkins said. “We’ve got a handful of girls who can do that.”

    Sophomore Taylor Watkins has already proven to be a scoring threat. The youngest daughter of the Farmers’ longtime coach scored goals in the 17th and 31st minutes of the first half on long driving shots just under the cross bar.

    Taylor also had two of her corner kicks result in goals for the Farmers against the Lobos (1-1 record). The sophomore is taking advantage of finally playing for her father after so many years being on the sideline.

    “I came here in a car carrier. It’s crazy,” Taylor said. “I remember being a ball girl for eight years. I love playing here under the lights. I’ve waited so long for this.”

    Taylor already has three goals and three assists on the season.

    “It is a little weird talking about my own kid,” Coach Watkins said of Taylor. “I’m just excited for her. She has wanted to be out here since she could walk. To be able to play with the girls, be apart of it and contribute to the group is a great feeling for her.”

    Taylor admits the car rides home from games are a little different then they used to be when she was a spectator waiting her turn to get on a high school pitch, but she is relishing every game.

    “I love having my Dad on the sideline,” Taylor said. “I’ve enjoyed having that relationship with him and getting finally able to (play for him) after 16 years.”

    The shortened 10-game regular season will go by in a flash and the Farmers know that a slight miss-step might undo the great start to the season. Wheat Ridge toughest part of its conference schedule comes when it closes out the regular season against No. 3 D’Evelyn (June 7) and No. 1 Evergreen (June 9).

    “Across our league there are a lot of good teams,” Coach Watkins said. “We’ve got to worry about one game at a time. Hopefully those ones at the end of the season mean something and we’re ready to play.”

    Conifer senior Willa Bowen (8) and Wheat Ridge junior Emily Browne (3) work to gain control of the ball Monday at Lakewood Memorial Field. The No. 4-ranked Farmers took a 6-0 victory over the Lobos to improve to 3-0 on the season in 4A Jeffco League play. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • No. 8 Chatfield baseball slams its way to victory over D’Evelyn

    DENVER — It took a matter of seconds for Chatfield sophomore Parker Murrow to turn a 3-0 deficit into a 4-3 lead for the Chargers.

    With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the fourth inning, Murrow ripped the first pitch he saw from D’Evelyn junior pitcher Troy Benko over the centerfield wall at D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School.

    D’Evelyn junior Ryan Jolton (4) gets caught in a rundown with Chatfield sophomore Mason Lowe (7) during the first inning Thursday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “Parker got up, drove the ball hard and it got out,” Chatfield coach Brett Pieratt said. “That totally changed the course of the game for sure.”

    The grand-slam home run by Murrow was the start of the Chargers’ 8-run inning with all the scoring done with two outs. Chatfield eventually went on to a 10-5 road victory.

    “It was great,” Pieratt said after getting his first victory as the Chargers’ new head baseball coach. “It’s not how we drew it up, but it feels great to get the first one out of the way for sure.”

    D’Evelyn actually scored three runs with two outs in the bottom of the first inning to grab an early lead. Benko helped himself out with an RBI double that nearly left the yard. RBI singles by sophomores Kannon Perry and Jack McMann off Chatfield senior pitcher Logan Carlisle stunned the Chargers a bit.

    D’Evelyn coach Dan Porreco was pleased with the first three innings. The Jaguars were playing solid defense behind Benko, but the Chargers’ bats came alive in the fourth inning. Chatfield sent a dozen batters to the plate and chased Benko after a 2-run double by junior Aidan Mullen.

    “It was a good start, but you have to learn how to finish no matter who you are playing,” Porreco said. “Chatfield is a powerful team”

    Carlisle settled down after the Chargers grabbed the lead. The hard-throwing righty struck out the side in the bottom of the fourth inning. Senior Colby Cruser took over on the hill after a par of walking issued by Carlisle in the bottom of the fifth inning.

    Chatfield junior Dylan Novotny (10) fouls off a pitch at the plate during the Chargers’ 10-5 victory over D’Evelyn. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “He (Carlisle) struggled a little bit that first inning having to throw 30 pitches,” Pieratt said. “Logan is going to do a lot of special things for us this season for sure. He is one of our top guys and we are going to count on him.”

    Carlisle admitted he didn’t have his best stuff in the season opener, but is confident he will improve during the shortened high school season that will last a little less than two months.

    “For me after this outing, I can only go up from here,” Carlisle said. “I’ll get back in the bullpen, get some more work in and make sure I come back next week dialed in and ready to go.”

    Cruser allowed a pair of Jaguars to score on a throwing error to first base on a pickoff attempt, but he limited the damage by striking out the final two batters to get out of the inning. Cruser walked two and hit a batter in his two and 2/3 innings of work, but didn’t allow a hit.

    Sophomore Mason Lowe added a run for the Chargers with an RBI single in the fifth inning to drive in Murrow after he doubled to left. Chatfield’s final run came on a bases loaded infield fly that was dropped. Senior Drew Lytle was able to scamper home for the final run of the game in the top of the seventh.

    “It was nice to come out here after getting rained out earlier this week,” Murrow said. “To come out and get a win against a quality team was nice.”

    Chatfield’s home opener is scheduled for Saturday against No. 9 Rock Canyon.

    “This group is pretty special,” Pieratt said. “They have been focused. We don’t have to do a lot for them. The senior leadership is fantastic. We think we can make a run for sure.”

    D’Evelyn quickly dives into Class 4A Jeffco League action Saturday with a home game against Green Mountain.

    “I feel bad for Golden and Wheat Ridge because last year they both could have won it,” Porreco said of the lost Spring 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Jeffco is always tough. Evergreen is always strong. It will be fun. We are a competitive league.”

    D’Evelyn sophomore catcher Kannon Perry, right, tags out Chatfield sophomore Parker Murrow (3) out at home plate during the opener for the Jaguars and Chargers on Thursday afternoon at D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • Dakota Ridge nets win over Green Mountain as girls lacrosse returns

    Dakota Ridge sophomore Monroe McClimans (17) winds up to take a shot on goal during the first half Tuesday. The Eagles took an 11-8 victory over Green Mountain during the opening day for girls lacrosse action at Trailblazer Stadium in Lakewood. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    LAKEWOOD — Trailblazer Stadium in Lakewood has been the mecca for boys and girls lacrosse teams in Jeffco for several years.

    However, the COVID-19 pandemic silenced the high school lacrosse action last spring.

    Dakota Ridge junior Stella Nefs (15) runs past Green Mountain sophomore Louisa Steinbock (13) on Tuesday at Trailblazer Stadium. Nefs had a team-high four goals in the Eagles’ 11-8 victory. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “It’s been rough, mainly because we couldn’t see the girls and see your team,” Green Mountain girls lacrosse coach Maddie Ossello said talking about last year’s lost season. “They girls were ready to get back. I know the coaches were excited to walk back into Trailblazer. It felt so good.”

    Tuesday marked the return of girls lacrosse at Trailblazer Stadium with Green Mountain and Dakota Ridge opening up play with a non-league contest. It was the first of over 60 regular-season boys and girls lacrosse games that Trailblazer Stadium will host over the span of the next six weeks.

    “It was amazing. It was incredible,” Dakota Ridge junior Stella Nefs said. “At the start when the (public address announcer) speaker when off for the first time since my freshman year it was just joy. We were all so hyped up to play. It was so fun.”

    Nefs helped lead Dakota Ridge to an 11-8 victory. The junior had a team-high four goals. She scored back-to-back goals to start a 4-0 run by the Eagles in the first half that opened up a 6-2 lead for Dakota Ridge.

    Green Mountain closed the gap to 7-5 at halftime with goals by Sophie Warren, Trisha Le and Bailey Stokes, but Dakota Ridge hung on with a solid performance in goal by sophomore Rosella Martinez.

    “This give us some momentum and hypes us up,” Nefs said after she sealed the victory with her fourth goal in the final minute. “It’s a great start to a great season.”

    Dakota Ridge coach Demi Riecke, who was actually a teammate of Ossello when both played at Green Mountain together, was excited to be back coaching her girls on the sidelines after missing out on last season.

    Green Mountain junior Trish Le (2) races down the field at Trailblazer Stadium during the season opener Tuesday, May 4. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “We definitely missed the girls and missed being apart of something,” Riecke said. “This is what they needed and it’s great to be back.”

    While Riecke has a dozen seniors on the squad this season, she has plenty of young talent as Dakota Ridge’s numbers have grown to 39 players.

    “The future of the program is huge,” Riecke said. “A lot of my stud athletes are young and they are going to build this program.”

    Green Mountain came in ranked No. 8 in the preseason CHSAANow.com Class 4A girls lacrosse poll. The Rams do have a clear focus this season.

    “Playoffs,” Ossello said without hesitation when asked about the goal of the Rams this season. “Green Mountain has never made it to the playoffs. The girls have made that goal of making the playoffs.”

    It won’t be an easy path for Green Mountain. Jeffco rivals Evergreen, Conifer and Golden were all ranked in the top-4 in the preseason rankings.

    “It’s going to be a tough season going into our league season,” Ossello admitted. “But these girls are hungry. We have a tough road ahead, but we are ready.”

    It will be a quick season for girls lacrosse. The regular season goes for just six weeks and the playoff extend into mid-June for the Season D.

    “It’s been tough with the season splits and kids in dual sports. And kids in quarantines over and over, ” Riecke said. “Being about to get out here is a huge success. We are doing what we can with what we have. We are excited.”

    Dakota Ridge sophomore Kendall Holmberg (15) is met by a trio of Green Mountain defenders during the non-league game Tuesday at Trailblazer Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • No. 4 Columbine girls volleyball captures 5A Region 4 title

    LITTLETON — Columbine sisters Abi and Rita Nua intensely eyed the ball on what would be the final point during the nearly 7-hour marathon of volleyball action Saturday.

    The bump over the net by Denver East senior Bella Simkus after a serve by sophomore Rita Nua landed just out to conclude the long day at Dakota Ridge High School. The No. 4-seeded Rebels immediately went into celebration mode after Columbine clinched the Class 5A Region 4 title and berth into the state tournament with a 25-18, 25-21, 19-25, 25-17 over the Angels.

    Columbine senior Abi Nua (9) will lead the Rebels into the 8-team Class 5A state tournament that is scheduled for May 12 and 13 at The Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “It’s amazing. These girls are resilient,” Columbine coach Shelly Kurach said. “It was one step at a time. We fought and we fought and we stuck together. That is why we won. These girls are awesome people.”

    The Rebels (12-1 record) opened the regional tournament with a 5-set victory over No. 21 Loveland. Columbine scored the first eight points in the final set to lock up the big victory, but it was a few sets earlier that really turned it around for the Rebels.

    Loveland (9-5) and Columbine had split the first two sets, but the Indians looked to go up 2-1 with a commanding lead in the third.

    Kurach pointed to the Rebels’ come-from-behind victory in the third set as a key moment during the day. The Indians held an 18-7 lead, but Columbine rallied to take a 26-24 win and steal a 2-1 lead in the match.

    “Our coach prepared us so well,” Abi Nua said. “She puts all the faith in us. She teaches us and we use those skills on the court.”

    Columbine closed out a 25-22, 23-25, 26-24, 22-25, 15-7 victory over Loveland to grab the driver’s seat. No. 13 Denver East (13-2) edged Loveland in another 5-set triller to set up a winner-take-all situation in the final match.

    Denver East junior Taylor Day, right, tries to put down a spike over Columbine senior Caylen Alms (15) and junior Audrey Dowd (5) during the Class 5A Region 4 tournament Saturday afternoon. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    The Rebels grabbed a 2-0 lead behind the play of Abi Nua, who came in with more than 220 kills on the season. Denver East continued to set its left side to avoid giving a chance for Abi Nua to block any spike attempts on the senior’s side of the net.

    “No matter what happens on the court we are ready to play that ball,” Abi said about Denver East staying away from her side of the court the entire match. “I trust my team and every one of my teammates.”

    The Angels weren’t done after falling behind. Denver East took a 25-19 victory in the third set to threaten to force a third straight 5-set match.

    “I knew we were all tired and we had worked so hard,” Columbine junior setter Audrey Dowd said. “We were sinking a little in that third (set), but we pulled out of it.”

    Abi Nua got involved offensively with several kills in the last set. Dowd looked to Abi Nua with the Rebels trying to wrap up the victory.

    “It’s nice when you have someone like Abi who can close it out,” Dowd said.

    Columbine senior Francesca Cereda (12) tries to tip the ball over the outreached arms of Loveland senior Maddie Kinney during the opening match of the Class 5A Region 4 tournament Saturday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    Every ball Abi Nua seemed to touch in the final set ended up on the floor on Denver East’s side of the net.

    “Abi is an amazing player and she works hard,” Kurach said. “She is the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. She does her job and trusts her teammates to do their job. She hold them to a high standard all the time and that is why this team works.”

    Columbine was the final 5A team to advance to state. Mountain Vista, Rampart, Ralston Valley, Columbine, Cherry Creek, Legend, Grandview and Chatfield are the eight qualifiers. The Class 5A Jeffco League qualified three teams to the condensed 8-team state tournament this season.

    “That is awesome. I can’t be more proud of our league,” Kurach said of the Rebels joining rivals Chatfield and Ralston Valley in the state tournament. “It’s so great we can get to the final 8 and represent Jeffco. It says how strong our conference is.”

    It will be a bit of a wait now. The state tournament was originally scheduled for May 10 and 11 the NORCO Volleyball Facility in Loveland, but moved a little over a week ago to May 12 and 13 at The Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs.

    While Kurach said the challenge now is to keep her squad focused for the state tournament, the Rebels won’t mind a bit of time before heading back into competition.

    “I think we are ready to have a little rest,” Abi said of the 10-day break before the state tournament. “I know we are all really tired, but really excited to play on that state floor.”

    Columbine senior Analeece Ellis (14) attempt to put down a kill through the block attempt of Denver East seniors Bella Simkus (8) and Harper Johnson (2) during the Class 5A Region 4 tournament Saturday at Dakota Ridge High School. Loveland, Denver East and Columbine battled in three matches that lasted 7 hours before Columbine closed out a 3-1 victory over Denver East to punch its ticket to the 5A state tournament. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • No. 3 Ralston Valley girls volleyball cruises to 5A Region 3 title

    ARVADA — It was a confident, but not over-confident undefeated Ralston Valley volleyball team that took to its home court for the final time this season on Friday night.

    The No. 3-seeded Mustangs (16-0 record) faced two more hurdles before they could punch their ticket to the Class 5A state tournament scheduled for May 12 and 13 in Colorado Springs. Ralston Valley needed victories over No. 22 Brighton and No. 14 Liberty to continue its season for another week and a half.

    Ralston Valley junior Jordan Wisner (7) and senior Jamie Dorczuk (16) combine on a block of Liberty junior Kori Garnhart (11) on Friday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “We didn’t want to overestimate any of the teams or underestimate any of the teams,” Ralston Valley senior Brianna Fay said of facing Brighton and Liberty. “Coming in with an undefeated season we were feeling great, but we didn’t want to underestimate anyone. We want to come out and play our game.”

    The Mustangs might not have been perfect, but they were pretty close. Ralston Valley dominated Brighton with a 3-0 victory with set scores of 25-19, 25-23 and 25-10 to open up the 5A Region 3 tournament. Liberty cruised past the Bulldogs in straight sets to create a winner-take-all situation in the final match of the night.

    Ralston Valley took care of business with another straight-set victory. The Mustangs defeated the Lancers 25-19, 25-13 and 25-10 to officially qualify for the state tournament.

    “Being the top team everyone wants to play their best game against you,” Ralston Valley coach Ashley Ahlman said. “I don’t think we’ve played our best game yet. That is super encouraging. I thought we played well tonight. I thought we had moments of greatness. I’m excited to have another week and a half with this team and see how much further we can push. See how much better we can be.”

    Fay was outstanding with a trio of service runs against Liberty. She was also impressive with a handful of kills from the backline on spikes in both matches.

    “She (Fay) is 100 percent the most athletic kid in any gym we walk into,” Ahlman said. “She can do it all. I love that kid. She is special.”

    Ralston Valley junior Emerson Reinke (9) gets ready to set up either Jamie Dorczuk (16) or Taylor Scherff (4) during the Class 5A Region 3 tournament Friday night at Ralston Valley High School. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    Ralston Valley senior Jamie Dorczuk had a strong match against Liberty, especially in the second set. Dorczuk had a trio of kills to give the Mustangs firm control of the match.

    “It was a roller coast of emotions. It’s bittersweet,” Dorczuk said after playing her final home match. “I love this team. It was exciting, but sad at the same time. I’m just excited about us getting this far.”

    Ralston Valley senior Emerson Tacha’s service winner was the final point of the night. The Mustangs celebrated on its home court for the final home match of the season before being presented the Region 3 plaque.

    “We’ve had eyes on the prize since the start,” Ahlman said. “The first practice of the season my setter (Emerson Reinke) walked in and said, ‘We are winning this.’ I think every single day they have walked into the gym with that mentality.”

    Ralston Valley senior Taylor Scherff, left, attempts to put a spike down over Liberty sophomores Brooklyn Rinard (10) and Kyra Bishop (1) during the second set in the regional final Friday night at Ralston Valley High School. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    It will be a bit of a wait for the Mustangs. The state tournament was originally scheduled for May 10 and 11 the NORCO Volleyball Facility in Loveland, but moved a little over a week ago to May 12 and 13 at The Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs.

    “We kind of have this gap, but what I love most about this team is they love being together,” Ahlman said. “We are going to make the most of it. These last few weeks are going to be so much fun. I love every day I get with these kids.”

    Ralston Valley has paired it talent and depth to gain plenty of confidence. The Mustangs have dropped only five sets in their 16 matches this season.

    “I feel super confident with our team,” Fay said. “We have every single thing you need … defense, offense and the perfect setter who can put the ball wherever we need it at any time. I think we can take state this year.”

    No. 1 Mountain Vista, No. 2 Rampart and No. 9 Chatfield joined Ralston Valley on winning regional tournaments Thursday and Friday. The remaining four regionals will be played Saturday, May 1.

    Ralston Valley senior Brianna Fay, left, had a huge regional tournament Friday night. Fay had a number of service winners and kills as the Mustangs rolled past Brighton and Liberty to capture the Class 5A Region 3 title and a berth in the 8-team 5A state tournament May 12 and 13 in Colorado Springs. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • Video: Jeffco Preps With Pleuss (May)

    Jeffco Preps With Pleuss is a monthly roundup of Jeffco prep highlights hosted by Dennis Pleuss, Jeffco Public Schools’ sports information director. The Season C sports were in full swing during the month of April. Standley Lake and Lakewood boys’ soccer teams combined to end a 57-year drought between the two programs when it came to winning a league title. Ralston Valley and Evergreen girls’ volleyball programs also celebrated winning conference championships. The gymnastics season came to an end with some stellar individual performances by Jeffco gymnasts.

  • Denver North boys soccer punches its ticket to the 4A state semifinals

    Denver North senior Alex Martinez celebrates after scoring the Vikings’ first goal in the 47th minute Saturday at Denver North High School. The Vikings defeated Golden 2-0 in the Class 4A state quarterfinal game to advance Denver North into the state semifinals Wednesday, April 28, at Legacy Stadium in Aurora. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    DENVER — Denver North has taken a step toward another shot at winning the school’s first boys soccer state championship title.

    The No. 5-seeded Vikings dominated No. 13 Golden in a Class 4A state quarterfinal match Saturday at Denver North High School. Seniors Alex Martinez and Aaron Cendejas put in second-half goals for Denver North to give the Vikings a 2-0 victory over the Demons.

    Denver North senior Lorenzo Hernandez (6) goes up for header above Golden senior Tamas Delmonico (11) during the Class 4A state quarterfinal game Saturday at Denver North High School. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “Coming in as an underdog a lot of teams don’t take us seriously,” Martinez said. “Sooner or later we’ll get more respect to our name. If not, we are going to make a name for ourselves.”

    Denver North has been one of the most consistent 4A boys soccer programs over the past four seasons. The Vikings have advanced to the state quarterfinals each of the past four years, including a berth in the 4A championship game in 2018. Air Academy defeated Denver North 2-0 a few seasons ago.

    With seven seniors that have experienced so much success, the Vikings weren’t about to drop a state playoff game on their home field. Despite being a scoreless game through the first half, Denver North controlled the run of play and coach Clay Porter knew if his team stuck to its game the goals would eventually come against Golden.

    “These guys have been doing this for four years now,” Porter said. “I put club teams together so these guys can play year-round together. The style we play gets everyone involved. I think that gets everyone more excited to play.”

    Denver North junior Gavin Shary (14) races after the ball with Golden sophomore Alex Chaffee (5) closing in during the Class 4A state quarterfinal game Saturday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    Martinez brought the excitement with a goal in the 47th minute to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead. Junior Ian Najar fed a long pass ahead as instructed by Martinez.

    “I noticed that (Golden’s) back line was pushing up and leaving a wide gap,” Martinez said. “I told my center back Ian to play my through. I was able to control it and volleyed it into the side of the net. It gave us the momentum we needed and we finished off strong.”

    Martinez, along with fellow seniors Axel Ruiz and Cendejas combined to make it a 2-goal lead in the 61st minute. Martinez fired a pass to Ruiz, who found Cendejas open in front of the Demons’ net. Cendejas tucked the ball into the back of the net for the final goal of the game.

    “We talk about composure a lot,” Martinez said. “Calming down and finishing. We took that into the second half. We slowed things down and started playing our game.”

    Golden (6-5-1 record) never got many scoring chances. The Demons were coming off a first-round road upset victory against No. 4 Skyview on Thursday, but couldn’t find their offense against Denver North.

    Denver North sophomore Cyrus Tracy (12) and Golden junior Ian Segur battle for a ball during the first half Saturday at Denver North High School. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “They did not give us an inch,” Golden coach Larry Harding said of the Vikings. “They are technical. They have a very good team. Our boys played as hard as they could. Denver North is just the better team.”

    Harding graduates a dozen seniors and he won’t get much time to reflect on the season. Harding turns around Monday with tryouts as the head coach for Golden’s girls soccer team.

    Denver North (11-1) continues its quest for a state title when it faces No. 8 Lewis-Palmer (10-2) in the semifinals Wednesday, April 28, at Legacy Stadium in Aurora. The Rangers scored a 4-0 victory Saturday against top-seeded Battle Mountain.

    No. 2 Windsor and No. 3 Niwot will square-off in the other semifinal Wednesday night at Legacy Stadium.

    The Vikings are two wins away from capturing the school’s first team state championship in any gender or sport since 1977. Denver North’s last state title was the AAA baseball crown 44 years ago.

    “It’s not about one player. The whole team is what brings us together,” Martinez said. “Everyone has their own skill set that brings us closer as a team.”

    Golden senior Nate Swanson (17) head a ball out of danger during the second half Saturday at Denver North High School. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

  • Late goal gives No. 12 Arvada West boys soccer upset win over No. 5 Rangeview

    Arvada West sophomore Yavani Tamayo (21) scored the game-winning goal in the Class 5A first-round state playoff game Thursday night at Rangeview High School. Tamayo scored with 2:38 left regulation-time to give the Wildcats the 2-1 victory. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    AURORA — A clean slate to start the Class 5A boys soccer state tournament is exactly what Arvada West needed.

    A-West was trending in the wrong direction finishing out the regular season. The Wildcats went 0-1-2 — along with a “no contest” against rival Ralston Valley from a game was postponed twice and eventually cancelled because of snowstorms — in their last two weeks of the regular season.

    However, the No. 12-seeded Wildcats turned things around in the opening round of the state tournament Thursday night at No. 5 Rangeview. A-West scored a 2-1 upset victory against the 5A EMAC champions to advance to the 5A state quarterfinals Saturday, April 24.

    Arvada West senior Noah Kanagy (13) uses some fancy footwork to get past Rangeview defender Ismael Dembele on Thursday night. Kanagy’s goal in the 27th-minute gave the Wildcats the early lead. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “I think the boys overcame,” A-West coach Troy Gette said. “They worked hard through the midfield and our defense has been solid all season. They stuck together.”

    Not only was A-West (7-1-2 record) looking for its first win since April 6 on Thursday night to open the state playoffs, the Wildcats were without the services of starting goalie Jacob Landskov and senior Kyler Tate, one of the top players in 5A Jeffco.

    “We really had a lot of momentum going into the season. We won those first six games to carry that momentum. After Kyler left and we had some injuries we slowed down a bit,” A-West senior captain Noah Kanagy said. “I think this game is the turning point to getting back that momentum.”

    It looked liked A-West and Rangeview were headed to overtime tied 1-1 in the final minutes of regulation-time at Rangeview High School. Sophomore Yavani Tamayo had other ideas.

    “I kept looking at the time. I remember seeing there was 4 minutes left,” Tamayo said. “I thought, ‘I had to help this team out. We’ve got to go and keep pushing up.’”

    Tamayo found himself on the far post unmarked with 2:38 left on the clock to punched home the eventual game-winning goal.

    “I thought I was going to miss it,” Tamayo admitted. “I played it with my left foot, then it went to my right and I shot it.”

    Tamayo didn’t start, but Gette subbed in the sophomore at the right time to send the Wildcats into the quarterfinals where they will be on the road again Saturday to face No. 4 Grandview (10-1).

    Rangeview senior Eduardo Garcia Fonseca (6) looks for a way around Arvada West junior Dylan Richards (5) during the first half Thursday night. Garcia Fonseca scored on a penalty kick in the second half for the Raiders’ lone goal in a 2-1 loss to the Wildcats. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    “He (Tamayo) just stayed composed and has a great first touch,” Gette said. “The build up to it was good. It was a great ball to him. The whole play was fantastic.”

    Sophomore goalie Ethan Kerstiens was fantastic in net for A-West. It was actually Kerstiens first varsity start with Landskov missing the game. Landskov is a cast member in A-West’s spring musical “The Theory of Relativity” which had a show Thursday night.

    “He was awesome,” Gette said of Kerstiens.

    Kanagy — A-West’s leading scorer — gave the Wildcats the first-half lead with a goal in the 27th minute off a bad giveaway by Rangeview (10-1-1).

    “We were high pressing and they made the mistake,” Kanagy said of capitalizing on the Raiders’ turnover deep in their own zone. “I picked up the ball, took a touch and put it in the top left corner.”

    Rangeview tied the game on a penalty kick by senior Eduardo Garcia Fonseca in the 51st minute in the second half before Tamayo’s late minute heroics for A-West.

    Despite finishing third in 5A Jeffco this season after winning back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019, A-West is the lone 5A Jeffco team remaining in the tournament with both Valor Christian and Lakewood suffering first-round losses Thursday.

    “Anything can happen,” Gette said as the Wildcats prepare for the quarterfinals this weekend. “We have to figure out how to be more productive and efficient offensively, but we’ll get there.”

    Arvada West sophomore Luke Schultz (14) attempts to get off a kick during the Wildcats’ upset victory Thursday night. A-West will face No. 4 Grandview on Saturday, April 24, in a Class 5A state quarterfinal game. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)