Volleyball Class 3A Top Ten Breakdown
#1 Eaton 2-0
Eaton is off to another hot start with a top 10 win already. Eaton opened the season playing against Lamar and Buena Vista and beating both 3-0 and the only set close was the third set against Lamar 25-20. Eaton played those games on 8/25 and won’t play again till 9/11. Eaton attack has been paced by Mackenzie Harris (22 Kills) and Quinci Johnson (19 Kills) and the main setter has been freshman Megan St. Jean (35 assists). Defensively Jisell Chumacero (4 Blocks) and Noelle Meagher (4 Blocks) are leading the team with blocks and Mckynna Gentry (22 Digs) is leading the team with digs. Eaton as mentioned plays 9/11 against #4 Faith Christian and then plays a tournament in Eagle Crest on 9/14.
#2 Lutheran 2-0
Lutheran picked up two wins again Top 10 teams #5 Valley and #6 Resurrection Christian. Lutheran cruised to 3-0 wins against both teams and shown they the #2 team. Lutheran offensively has been paced by Payton Brgoch (26 Kills) and leading with assists is Bella Vezzani (29 Assists). Defensively Lutheran has been led Payton Brgoch (13 Blocks) and Bella Vezzani (29 Digs). Lutheran is playing in a tournament on 9/7 in La Junta before facing off against #3 University on 9/13. Lutheran is off to the start they would like but will have to keep improving if they plan on challenging Eaton for the crown.
#3 University 4-0
University has lived up to the hype of the main challenger in the Patriot League to Eaton so far. University is off to a 4-0 start with wins over Lamar, Buena Vista, Colorado Springs Christian, and 4A Windsor. University has not dropped a set yet and 4A Windsor has given them their best games with a pair of 25-22 wins for University. Offensively for University they are led by Abby Schaefer (51 Kills) and Madelyn Malm (45 Kills). The floor general for University has been Alexsei Vierya with 142 assists. University defensively have been led by Madelyn Malm (5 Blocks) and Abby Schaefer (80 Digs). University will be playing their 2nd and 3rd straight games against 4A opponent with games against Fort Morgan and Holy Family. These games all build up to their monster game against Lutheran on 9/13.
#4 Faith Christian 1-0
Faith Christian opened their season with a bang beating #6 Resurrection Christian 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-16). Faith Christian showing they deserve their Top 5 spot but also must refocus for their next games at hand. Faith Christian in their one game was led by Makenna Hachen (9 Kills) and Allure Padilla (31 Assists). Faith Christian is playing in the Jefferson Academy Volleyball Tournament this weekend and we should have a better grasp of how good Faith Christian is. Faith Christian does have a huge matchup looming with #1 Eaton on 9/11 and hopefully they will be in top form to try and challenge the #1 team.
#5 Valley 1-1
Valley opened their season with a tough opponent right away and it showed falling to #2 Lutheran 3-0. Valley was able to bounce back nicely beating Weld Central 3-1. Valley I am sure has some things to work on after losing 3-0 to Lutheran but early season loses like that could have positive outcomes later in the season. Valley offensively has been led by Kenzie Ray (18 Kills) and Delaney Eckhardt (18 Kills). Delaney Eckhardt is also leading the team with 30 assists. Defensively Heather Meining (39 Digs) and Delaney Eckhardt (6 Blocks) are leading the way for Valley. Valley schedule does not get much easier with a big game against #6 Resurrection Christian on 9/6.
#6 Resurrection Christian 1-2
Resurrection Christian is off to a tough 1-2 start, granted both loses are to Top 4 teams. Resurrection Christian lone win is over 2A Lyons (3-0) and both loses were 3-0 losses to Faith Christian and Lutheran. Resurrection Christian will have some things to fix but their schedule does not get much easier with a Top 5 game against Valley on 9/6 and then a tournament at Machebeuf. Resurrection Christian offensively has been a 1 person show with Kaitlyn Newbanks having 31 of Resurrection Christian 81 Kills. Resurrection Christian will need another player to really step up on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively Megan McDaniel is leading the way with 33 digs. Resurrection Christian will improve if they can develop a #2 or #3 hitter.
#7 Platte Valley 2-0
Platte Valley started the year at #10 in the preseason polls and are making their way up the rankings. Platte Valley is off to a solid 2-0 start with 3 to 0 wins against Highland and Middle park. The schedule for Platte Valley will start to ramp up starting this weekend. Platte Valley offensively is being led by Faith Fetzer (18 Kills) and Claire Smith (14 Kills). The floor general for Platte Valley is Maddie Uyemura 59 assists and her experience will help this team improve. Platte Valley on defense is led by Kassi Shoemaker (44 digs) and Brianna Ley (27 digs). Platte Valley plays Weld Central on 9/6 and the is participating in the Lewis Palmer tournament which will be a very good test for Platte Valley.
#8 Alamosa 7-0
This year’s surprise team so far has been the Alamosa Mean Moose. Alamosa is off to a hot 7-0 start with solid wins against Centauri, Del Norte, Hoehne, Northridge, and Denver Christian. Alamosa has had their ups and downs dropping sets to Del Norte, Steamboat Springs, and Northridge but have played well enough to snag those victories. Alamosa is nearly done with their non-League schedule and have an interesting game against Sangre De Cristo coming up on 9/6. Alamosa attack has been led by two players Sylvie Caton (71 Kills) and Jordan Mobbley (232 Assists). The Backrow has also played well with Amy Lopez (81 Digs) and Sylive Caton (73 Digs) leading the way. We will have to see if Alamosa can keep up this pace, but they have been a good surprise so far.
#9 Manitou Springs 3-0
Manitou Springs is off to a quick start and already have a Top 10 win on the season. Manitou Springs was not ranked to start the season but have made their way into the Top 10 following wins over Pueblo East, Classical Academy, and #10 Lamar. Manitou Springs may be the early favorite to win the Tri-Peaks league but a lot of season is left to play. Manitou Springs attack has been paced by Abbie Boren (71 Assists) and Giulia Vidossi (32 Kills). Manitou Springs back row has been led by Giulia Vidossa (24 digs) and the main blocker has been Talia Traxler (5 Blocks). Manitou Springs plays in a tournament this weekend in Fleming.
#10 Lamar 2-4
Lamar opened their season with a win but have since lost 4 of their next 5 games and will have to quickly bounce back. Lamar has two league loses already to Manitou Springs and St. Mary’s and now will be looking for some help to try and win the league. Lamar will need to come together as a group and try and bounce back. Lamar has the weapons to try and bounce back with Brecken Payne (61 Kills and Fernanda Merancio (41 Kills). Lamar schedule stays tough this week with a game against James Irwin who is off to a solid start. We will see if Lamar can bounce back.
MileHigh Prep Report 