CLASS 1A VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
BY: KERRY SHERMAN
Last year gave us a third straight championship match-up between Merino and Fleming. And just as they did the previous two times, the Rams came out on top. The 2022 title moved Merino into a tie with Fowler for the second most in state history with 13, two behind Platte Valley, who won it’s 15th last season. As a new season begins, a new postseason format comes into play. While 24 teams will still qualify for regionals, there will no longer be eight regions with three teams. This season, there will be 12 regions with just two teams in each.
Under the previous format, the eight regional winners automatically qualified for state, and the next four best in the Selection and Seeding Index joined the field as wild cards. Now, just the 12 regional winners will advance. League champions are guaranteed a spot in the regional round, as long as there are at least five teams in the league. Teams playing in a mix classification league must win the championship in said league in outright fashion to earn that protection.
5280
The 5280 did not send any teams to state last year and everyone is jockeying to be the first program in the history of the league to make a championship pairing. Only two teams reached regionals last year, Belleview Christian and Flatirons Academy. Both went 0-2.
BELLEVIEW CHRISTIAN BRUINS (14-10, WENT 0-2 IN REGIONALS)
The Bruins have been the dominant force in the 5280 recently, only losing six league matches in seven seasons. The will have to replace two of their top three hitters to keep that string going, but will return Alivia Cox (157 kills) and Olivia Donadio (128). Those two combined for more than 160 aces, and are the top returnees as far as digs, with 287 and 278, respectively. Donadio recorded 250 assists as the #2 setter. Samantha Ortega is the leading returning blocker after tallying 11 total blocks last year.
BETH EDEN BAPTIST KNIGHTS (2-15 LAST YEAR)
Last year saw the Knights register their sixth losing season (third straight) in the last seven years, but they did not lose a senior off the roster. Macey Walton returns as the team leader in kills, blocks, and digs. Stazia Shaw led in aces, just ahead of Walton, and was second in kills, blocks, and digs. Rebekah Ren was the leader in assists, with Shaw and Walton behind her.
DENVER ACADEMY OF TORAH WOLVES (NO RECORD AVAILABLE)
The last time Denver Academy of Torah played CHSAA programs at the varsity level was in 2020, so not much is known about the squad for this season. It will most likely be a season of growth for the Wolves.
DENVER JEWISH DAY TIGERS (0-8 LAST YEAR)
Denver Jewish Day has had its share of struggles recently, posting a total of five wins over the last five seasons. Last year was the second winless campaign in the last three for the Tigers. They did not post stats or a roster.
DENVER WALDORF SPARTANS (8-11 LAST YEAR)
Denver Waldorf suffered its second straight losing season, and third in the last four, but the program does have a history of success, having won 18 matches just five years ago. The Spartans bring back their top two hitters from last year in Arwen Opyd (167) and Maelen Roybal (112). That duo ranked at or near the top in every category last season, along with setter Q’orianka Avant. Avant registered 317 assists. Those three juniors are expected to provide leadership to a roster that does not include a senior.
FLATIRONS ACADEMY BISON (16-9 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 IN REGIONALS)
Last year’s run to regionals gave the Bison their second straight winning mark, just five years removed from a winless 2018 campaign. Gone is a talented senior class that included two of the top three hitters, but the Bison return Brylin Gomer (185 kills) and Emily Dehaan (92 kills) to the attack. Along with Josie Pascal, they served up a combined 160 aces last season. Lucy Kafer tied for the team lead with 362 digs. The team will need to find a new #1 setter.
FRONT RANGE BAPTIST FALCONS (7-8 LAST YEAR)
The Falcons went through the first losing season for the program since its first as a member of CHSAA back in 2015. A five-set loss in the season finale kept them from extending the streak. They bring back their top three hitters in Libby Ciccone (125), Katie Jaques (98), and Clara Cruz (91). Together with Reagan Bartlett, that group served up more than 120 aces, with Jaques recording 45 and Cruz claiming 44.
MILE HIGH ACADEMY MUSTANGS (9-12 LAST YEAR)
Last season produced the second straight losing mark for the Mustangs, with two losses coming in five sets and two more in best of three tournament matches. The junior duo of Jazel McDaniel and Delanie Prowant return after pounding 66 and 56 kills, respectively. Izzy Montano led the team with 67 kills and 140 assists. She’s also the leading returnee with 110 digs last year.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN LUTHERAN EAGLES (11-9 LAST YEAR)
After a string of three straight losing seasons, the Eagles made it two consecutive on the positive side last year. A late five-match winning streak wasn’t quite enough to get them into the postseason. They will bring back two big hitters in the attack, with Sophie Thiel (147) and Ginny Shade (132) returning for their senior seasons. They were also the top servers last year, recording 64 and 63 aces, respectively. Shade also leads a group of four with triple digit digs, having registered 185 last year. Rachel Sternhagen (140), Eva Vogel (107), and Thiel (102) also went over the century mark. Shade and Thiel shared setting duties last year, piling up 261 assists between them.
ARK VALLEY
Springfield and Wiley gave the league two teams in the regional round, with Wiley earning a hosting spot. Neither won their region, but Wiley claimed one of the four wild card berths into the state field. The Panthers went 2-2, and were eliminated one match shy of the semifinals.
KIM/BRANSON MUSTANGS (11-12 LAST YEAR)
The Mustangs have been at or around the .500 mark every year for the last decade and last year was more of the same. Losses in their final two regular season contests dropped them below that mark, preventing a second straight winning season. The Mustangs lost two seniors who were atop the charts for almost every category, but they do bring back some highly talented players. Emma Amato was second with more 130 digs and she led the team in assists, and will likely see a jump in her production at the net (52 kills). Alexis Winford was second in blocks and fourth in kills, while Ysabel Gonzalez was second in assists. Charlie Rosas adds to the experienced core that returns.
SOUTH BACA PATRIOTS (7-16 LAST YEAR)
Following a 20-win season in 2019, South Baca has racked up three straight sub .500 campaigns. The Patriots dropped six of their final eight matches last year. Kate Elmore enters her senior season looking to build upon her 96 kills and 55 blocks from last year. Callie Hinds recorded 80 kills and 81 assists, and was part of a unit that had seven players with at least 100 digs. Tierra Cook (426), Hinds (354), Elmore (296), Jorji Ratzlaff (269), Eliana Gutierrez (162), and Avery Garcia (109) all accomplished that feat, while Hailey Allenbaugh missed it by nine.
SPRINGFIELD LONGHORNS (17-7 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 IN REGIONALS)
The MaxPreps era for volleyball dates back to 2007. Springfield has not finished below .500 in that time frame. Lainee Leathers led the team with 186 kills and 80 aces, while finishing second with 195 digs and 210 assists. Karina Garcia racked up 245 digs and 49 aces. Bay Ellis just missed out on a 100 kill season, registering 98, to go with 31 aces, 28 blocks, and 163 digs. As a freshman, Brody Rosengrants recorded 241 assists and 126 digs.
WALSH EAGLES (6-16 LAST YEAR)
After taking their share of lumps over the last few seasons, the Eagles are ready to break a three-year streak of losing records. They return a core group that has seen a lot of playing time since breaking onto the scene as freshmen. Heading up that crew is junior Emily Hume, who tallied 134 kills, 138 blocks, and 253 digs. Maribel Carrillo returns after piling up 42 kills, 19 aces, 56 blocks, and 249 digs. Kayla Penick led the Eagles with 337 digs as a freshman. The Eagles will need a new #1 setter.
WILEY PANTHERS (20-6 LAST YEAR, WENT 2-2 AT STATE)
With back to back 20-win seasons, and four straight winning campaigns, Wiley has established itself as a postseason regular. The Panthers have not lost a league match since Oct. 22, 2019, and bring a 25-match winning streak inside the league into this year. After losing the top three hitters, more of the attack will fall upon the shoulders of Sariya Osborn (109 kills) and Johanna Brown (108) this year. Osborn could also see more action as the setter after finishing second on the squad last year with 261 assists. Helping the back row defense will be Katie Salgado, who registered 227 digs.
BLACK FOREST
Evangel Christian and Simla carried the mantle for the Black Forest in the postseason last year, as they were the only two programs to reach the regional round. Both were in regions that sent two teams to the state tournament. ECA went 0-2, while Simla won its region and made it to the state semifinals.
COLORADO D&B BULLDOGS (0-2 LAST YEAR)
The Bulldogs only got two matches in last year, losing both. The program has only won 17 matches in the MaxPreps era, and only two going back to the 2011 season. Five of the seven players on last year’s roster were sophomores and only one was a senior.
ELBERT BULLDOGS (5-16 LAST YEAR)
Elbert saw its string of consecutive winning seasons snapped at four with last year’s struggles. The season got off to a rough start with six straight losses and the Bulldogs were unable to get things straightened out. Zadie Mackey stood atop the charts in kills (111), aces (41), and blocks (21), while Maddie Kashner was second with 66 kills and 19 blocks. They are the most experienced returning players after the Bulldogs lost six to graduation.
EVANGEL CHRISTIAN EAGLES (15-9 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 IN REGIONALS)
ECA put together a third straight winning season, culminating in a second consecutive regional appearance. The Eagles won their most matches since taking 18 wins in 2009, when the program was still in 2A. With between three and five of their stats leads gone, the Eagles will rely heavily on players like Charlie Atkins (72 kills, 10 blocks), Elanor Morgan (22 kills, 181 assists), and Coco Hooper (42 aces, 94 digs).
HANOVER HORNETS (12-11 LAST YEAR)
After combining for 10 wins in the three previous three seasons, the Hornets broke out with a dozen victories last year, giving the program its first winning mark in the MaxPreps era. They also topped the previous high victory total by three. With Lavana Sweazy, Valeria Diaz, and Aspen Combs all returning, the attack should see an uptick, as they were the top three hitters a year ago. Add setter Alyson Rogers back into the mix, and the Hornets could be primed for their first postseason appearance in quite some time.
KIOWA INDIANS (12-11 LAST YEAR)
It’s been a series of ups and downs for Kiowa after posting back to back 20-win marks in 2015 and 2016. Despite losses in four of their final five matches last year, the Indians topped .500 by a game. Kiley Kuhn, Brooke Mills, and Lauryn Morehead each had more than 100 kills last year and they combined for 97 aces, and 522 digs. The Indians will need to find a new setter, as no one on the roster had as many as 25 assists last season.
MIAMI-YODER BUFFALOES (4-15 LAST YEAR)
After seeing an increase in wins over the three previous years, Miami-Yoder took a step backwards last season, dropping from seven victories in 2021 to just four. Carley Bringhurst (45 kills) and Kylie McKnight (26 kills) return to a squad that was hit hard by graduation. Bringhurst is the lone player in the top five of digs from last year with 104. Natalie Tinoco and Rachel Davis are in line for bigger roles this season.
PIKES PEAK CHRISTIAN EAGLES (6-15 LAST YEAR)
Pikes Peak Christian had a string of five straight double-digit win seasons broken by COVID in 2020. The Eagles then saw their run of winning records broken the following year and last season made it two straight on the losing side. Hannahmae Read is back after leading the team with 85 kills, and the next seven top hitters also return. That includes Annaliece Fisher and Clarabelle Klein, who combined for 93 as freshmen. The Eagles bring back their setter, Savannah Heath, who recorded 110 assists. They also return 205 of their 206 aces from last year.
SIMLA CUBS (24-6 LAST YEAR, WENT 3-2 AT STATE)
Simla came within one win of playing for its first state title since 2012, but the Cubs were eliminated in the semifinals by Fleming in three sets. It was the second time in the last three years that they were bounced by Fleming at state. The Cubs bring back their top seven hitters, including a pair with more than 300 kills in Kylie Maranville (361) and Morgan Swennes (314). They will have to replace their top back row defender, but with Maranville (329), Zaida Harms (286), Meadow Nusbaum (270), and Swennes (166) they return four of their top six. Nusbaum registered close to 900 assists (889) last year, with only 33 errors.
FISHER’S PEAK
With only three teams in the league, the only route to the regional round will be to finish high enough in the Selection and Seeding Index to earn a wild card. La Veta was the lone team from the Fisher’s Peak to make the postseason last year. The Redhawks went 1-1 in regionals and grabbed one of the four wild card spots at state. They went 0-2 at state.
LA VETA REDHAWKS (23-4 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 AT STATE)
For the eighth time in the last 10 years, La Veta recorded at least 20 wins, but could not reach the state finals for the first time since 2018 as the Redhawks went 0-2 at state. Mattie Bjorum recorded 249 kills as the #2 option in the attack last year and stepping into the lead role, those numbers could soar this season. While the Redhawks had some key losses to graduation, they should be solid defensively, returning Kylee Guadagnoli (458 digs), Bjorum (271), Marianna Delacruz (236), Aspen Autry (135), and Grace D’esposito (123). Delacruz also recorded 223 assists as the #2 setter.
MANZANOLA BOBCATS (7-10 LAST YEAR)
Manzanola reached its highest win total since 2018 and came close to its first non-losing season since 2011, when the program went 8-8. The Bobcats lost two seniors off their roster from last year, but return Libby Horn, who nailed 72 kills, and Eva Anderson, who led the team with a .244 hitting percentage. Justyne Vasquez-Mora returns after recording 160 assists and 44 aces.
PRIMERO BULLDOGS (4-19 LAST YEAR)
Primero saw its string of consecutive losing seasons reach 10, as the Bulldogs last finished a year above .500 in 2012. The Bulldogs were unable to record consecutive wins last season, after opening 0-6. Isabela Maldonado finished second on the team with 76 kills as a freshman a team-high 73 aces and finishing second with 191 digs. Classmate Isabella Shew led with 199 digs, and Jocelyn Rivera, who was also a freshman, led the way with 290 assists.
FOOTHILLS
Loveland Classical is the lone member of the Foothills to play in 1A, with everyone else either in 2A or 3A. The Lions earned a spot in regionals after winning the league title by going 9-0 in their first season as a 1A program. They went 0-2 as the #23 seed.
LOVELAND CLASSICAL LIONS (17-6 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 IN REGIONALS)
Last year wasn’t just the first year for the Lions in 1A, but also in the Foothills league after calling the Mile High home for the first four years of their existence as a CHSAA member. The losses at regionals snapped an eight-match winning streak. The Lions did not have a senior on the roster last year, so everyone returns with another year of experience. Jayna Erickson led in kills (138), aces (88), and blocks (25). Jersie Stohler was second with 107 kills and Julia Dicks added 90. Cherece Sandoval recorded 229 assists and 60 aces, while Sophie Archuleta led the squad with 145 digs.
HIGH PLAINS
Four teams from the High Plains made the postseason, with two advancing to state. Eads and Cheraw both went 1-1 in regionals, and saw their seasons end there. Kit Carson and McClave both hosted regions and went 2-0 to earn their trips to state. Kit Carson went 1-2 as the #2 seed, while McClave made it all the way to the semifinals before falling to eventual champion, Merino.
CHERAW WOLVERINES (16-9 LAST YEAR, WENT 1-1 IN REGIONALS)
Cheraw extended its run of .500 or better seasons to four, but came up just short of making a second straight trip to state. Delaney Bond leads a talented group of returnees after collecting 245 kills, 23 blocks, and 302 digs. Rachel Harper went over the century mark with 104 kills. Crislyn Miell tallied 582 assists, 248 digs, and 61 aces. Kieran Harris racked up 428 digs, while Adi Miell (261), Jentry Matthew (167), and Harper (112) also return to help the back row defense.
CHEYENNE WELLS TIGERS (9-12 LAST YEAR)
The Tigers have flirted with .500 the last three seasons, but have not been able to cross that plateau since 2018. Four of their losses came in five sets. They should be fine on the attack, bringing back the top five hitters from last year, including Savannah Worley (199 kills) and Izzy Trevino-Lopez (138), who were the only two in triple digits. Cheyenne Wells had five players with at least 100 digs, but only Worley (241) and Aubry Carroll (176) return from that group. They will also need a new setter, as their top two options from last year are gone.
EADS EAGLES (17-8 LAST YEAR, WENT 1-1 IN REGIONALS)
Following four straight losing seasons, Eads erupted for a regional berth after finishing third in the league. The 17 wins matched the victory total of the three previous seasons, combined. The Eagles bring back two top shelf hitters in Kara Wilson and Tailee Weeks-Johnson, who hammered 215 and 169 kills, respectively, as freshmen. Almost everyone who saw action recorded triple digit digs, and five of them return. Katie Johnson led the group with 350, followed by Weeks-Johnson (314), Aless Paez (292), Wilson (155), and Lexi Shotton (119). Paez gives the team experience at the setter position after leading the team with 396 assists last year.
GRANADA BOBCATS (7-12 LAST YEAR)
League play really hurt Granada last year, as the Bobcats were unable to pick up a win in those contests. Overall, the program has not had a winning record during the MaxPreps era, but last year’s seven victories set a new high water mark in that time frame. ToriLin Riddle is back after leading the team with 81 kills and 30 blocks, and she’ll have her setter back as well, with Paula Aguirre coming off a 193 assist sophomore year. Avery Baca (63 kills) and Marissa Valenzuela (32) will help solidify the attack. Valenzuela paced the defense with 195 digs and Aguirre added 124. Emersen Hernandez finished with 97 as a freshman.
KIT CARSON WILDCATS (22-6 LAST YEAR, WENT 1-2 AT STATE)
Following just the second losing season in the MaxPreps era, Kit Carson bounced back with the program’s seven year of at least 20 wins in 2022. Their four regular season losses were all against teams that made it to state, where their remaining losses occurred. There are some major holes to fill, especially at the net, where more than 640 kills departed due to graduation. Paige Booker-Rady (133 kills) and Lindsey Mayhan (81) are the top returning threats in the attack, and the duo combined for 69 blocks. Shay Booker-Rady stepped in as a freshman to lead the team with 370 assists and 68 aces, and she’s the top returning back row defender after recording 229 digs. Nadaya Buttry (193), Mayhan (142), and P. Booker-Rady (118) all went over the century mark.
MCCLAVE CARDINALS (26-2 LAST YEAR, LOST IN SEMIFINALS AT STATE)
Back before the MaxPreps era, McClave made the state finals three consecutive years and finished second all three times. Since MaxPreps started tracking volleyball in 2007, the Cards have won at least 17 matches 11 times, including last year’s run to the semifinals. Abrielle Gomez piled up 341 kills and hit at a .320 clip as a freshman, and paired up with McKayla Kiniston (279) to generate 620 kills. Ashlynn Steinbrunn also went over the century mark with 164 kills. The Cards dominated the net on defense with 311 blocks. They return 253, 188 of them by Gomez. Their back row defense was just as strong, with Steinbrunn racking up 440 digs, followed by Kiniston (425), Gomez (389), Makayla Phillips (317), and Kierra Coen (162). Phillips tallied 827 assists with only 61 errors.
LOWER PLATTE
Over the last three years, the LPAA has won a total of six state crowns in volleyball. Merino has taken three straight in 1A, while Wiggins and Sedgwick County own three between them in 2A. Haxtun joined Merino on the postseason, but the Fightin’ Bulldogs were unable to get out of regionals, going 1-1 and not earning a wild card.
AKRON RAMS (1-22 LAST YEAR)
Addicyn Kessinger led the Rams with 159 kills, 126 blocks, and 131 digs last year, but she suffered a knee injury late in the basketball season and had surgery to repair it. Her absence leaves a major void for a program looking to bounce back from a dismal 2022. Becky Drum becomes the top threat in the attack after registering 74 kills last year. Behind her is the trio of Taylor Benish, Sierra Brown, and Molly Porteus, who combined for 84. One area where Akron brings good experience back this season is at setter, where McKenna Lucero returns after 198 assists as a sophomore.
CALICHE BUFFALOES (6-16 LAST YEAR)
Caliche suffered its seventh straight losing season, but came within one victory of matching the high total during that stretch. The Buffs also broke a 38-match losing streak in league play with a five-set win over Wray late in the season. Caliche returns its top five hitters in the attack, with Ryanne Nichols (122 kills) and Karsyn Huss (121) leading the way. Huss also leads the back row defense after recording 269 digs last year. Ava Hernandez (205), Nichols (137), and Hallie Lewis (109) are also back after triple digit seasons. Hernandez brings in more than 600 career assists in her first two seasons, and has only had 50 errors in close to 2700 opportunities.
HAXTUN FIGHTIN’ BULLDOGS (13-12 LAST YEAR, WENT 1-1 IN REGIONALS)
While the Fightin’ Bulldogs only won one more game than they lost last year, it marked the eighth winning season in the last nine years for the program. Bobbi Starkebaum is back to lead a high powered attack that had four players record more than 100 kills last year. She tallied 235 as a sophomore, while Cassidy Goddard (189), Maggie Kilgour (145), and Megan Walker (137) complete the group. Haxtun also brings back a ton of experience on the back row, with the top five diggers returning. Walker (269), Julia Freeman (236), Goddard (214), Emily Anderson (179), and Starkebaum (165) all went over the century mark, and Kilgour just missed out with 96. The Fightin’ Bulldogs also have three players who had more than 100 assists last year, with Kelsie Hadeen (365), Starkebaum (214), and Walker (107) all accomplishing that mark.
MERINO RAMS (26-4 LAST YEAR, WON THIRD STRAIGHT STATE TITLE)
Merino’s incredible run extends beyond winning three consecutive titles. The Rams have posted a 115-23 mark over the last five years, with four seasons of more than 20 wins in the stretch. The only time they failed to achieve that mark was in the 2020 COVID season, in which they went 17-2, winning the first of the championships in this run. Depth in the attack is a trademark of the program and last year, the Rams had five players with more than 100 kills, three of them being freshmen. Makenna Sutter was second in the classification with 520, while Jaylyn Lynch (177), Kya Piel (149), Jadelynn Powell (142), and Veronica Baray (127) rounded out the attack. That same group, along with Brooklyn Sutter, all had more than 200 digs. B. Sutter directed the offense with 1019 assists, pushing her career total to 2068 in two years.
NORTH CENTRAL
A member of the North Central has been in the final pairing each of the last four seasons, and six of the last seven. Each of those times it’s been Fleming, but Briggsdale also made the title match in 2019, along with their rivals. Weldon Valley and Prairie joined those two heavy hitters in the postseason, with both being eliminated in regionals. Briggsdale won its region, but was bounced prior to the semifinals at state.
BRIGGSDALE FALCONS (22-8 LAST YEAR, WENT 3-2 AT STATE)
Briggsdale collected its fourth 20+ win season in the last six years, but saw its run end one match short of the semifinals at state last year with a loss to Merino. They were led by Jenna Krise, who led the classification with 612 kills, almost six per set. She also had a team-high 456 digs. Kayl Klem added 209 kills. The Falcons had nine players with more than 100 digs, and five return. Along with Krise are Klem (275), Libby Slinger (204), Kaycee Krise (157), and Claire Brown (130). Slinger served as the primary setter for most of the season and racked up 656 assists in 2200 attempts, with only 26 errors.
FLEMING WILDCATS (23-6 LAST YEAR, LOST IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP)
Fleming’s appearance in the state title match was not only its fourth straight, but the Wildcats played for the championship for a 14th time in the last 17 years. They’ve won seven crowns. They won at least 20 matches for the 15th time in the 16 years that MaxPreps has tracked volleyball. After losing one of the top hitters in the class, Fleming will turn to Ciana Lousberg, who cranked out 163 kills as a freshman, and Madi Serrato, who finished with 97. Quincy Stull (72) and Ashley Bornhoft (62) will also see larger roles as sophomores. The Wildcats lost three of their top five diggers, but with Lousberg (242), Serrato (171), and Brooke Schaefer (106), they will still be stout on defense. Lousberg shared the setting duties and recorded 510 assists.
PEETZ BULLDOGS (1-15 LAST YEAR)
Limited numbers have hindered the Bulldogs over the years, as the program has only recorded 17 wins since the start of the 2014 season. They will take a 38-match losing streak in the league into this season. Last year’s stats were incomplete, but Addison Ramey was one of the top hitters and she’ll be one of two seniors on a roster dominated by freshmen and sophomores. Khira Gipfert, the other senior, is the leading returning back row defender.
PRAIRIE MUSTANGS (12-12 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 IN REGIONALS)
The Mustangs finished at .500 last season after losing both of their games at regionals. It snapped a string of two straight losing seasons and restored hope that the program could return to the level it was back in 2016 when it recorded 21 wins. Taking the reins is a familiar name in the NCL, as Courtney Krise, a 2022 Briggsdale graduate, steps in. She inherits a team that is young and talented. Most of last year’s stat leaders were underclassmen, including a lot of freshmen.
WELDON VALLEY WARRIORS (11-14 LAST YEAR, WENT 1-1 IN REGIONALS)
The Warriors got into the postseason with a losing mark and made some noise, pulling off one upset before being eliminated in regionals. The program has hovered right around .500 for the last four seasons following a 27-win campaign in 2018, which was the last time the Warriors made the state field. Most of the roster last year was comprised by sophomores, including Reece Piquette and Ellie Koch, who had 117 and 115 kills, respectively. There classmate Kyra Keating was two away from joining them in triple digits. Those three and now-senior Jaci Sanders combined for almost 650 digs, with each having at least 124. Sanders piled up 820 assists on 3272 attempts, with only 16 errors.
SAN JUAN
Most of the San Juan is 2A, but three 1A clubs do call it home. Dove Creek has been the class of the league, dropping a total of five matches to San Juan teams in the past six seasons, and none have come against either of the other two 1A squads in the league. The Bulldogs have not lost to either Nucla or Norwood since 2016. They were the only one of the three to make the postseason. After winning their regional, they went 2-2 at state.
DOVE CREEK BULLDOGS (27-2 LAST YEAR, WENT 2-2 AT STATE)
Dove Creek took a perfect mark into the state tournament, but could not keep the momentum rolling and was bounced in the elimination bracket by Wiley. The Bulldogs are expected to be back in the mix with a talented core group that includes Kyle Gatlin (246 kills, 266 digs), Ralynn Hickman (227 kills, 65 aces, 231 digs), and Kalie Gatlin (74 aces, 228 digs, 732 assists). Halee Beanland and Hadley Hatfield also bring back varsity experience.
NORWOOD MAVERICKS (2-20 LAST YEAR)
Last year saw a second straight 20-loss campaign for a Norwood program that hasn’t finished on the plus side since 2015. The Mavericks have won three or fewer league matches in five of the last six seasons. Grace Harris and Kendra McCluer led the team in kills last year as sophomores, and their classmate Cadence Shaw was tops in digs. Yet another member of that class of 2025, Amber Bockrath, was their leading setter.
NUCLA MUSTANGS (15-8 LAST YEAR)
Prior to last season, the Mustangs had not finished above .500 since 2016, but two winning streaks of four during the season helped put that streak to bed. A late three-match skid was likely the difference between making the postseason and staying home. With nine seniors having exited the program, there will be lots of opportunities for younger players to begin making an impact. The only members from last year’s roster coming back are Haylee Smith, Shania Joseph, and Viviana Zunich. Smith and Zunich both had more than 100 digs last season.
SANTA FE
Only one team in the Santa Fe plays in Class 1A, Holly. The Wildcats dropped back down to the classification after spending two full cycles in 2A, with mixed results. They finished the season by dropping their final 18 contests, four of which went five sets. They were 0-5 overall in five-setters.
HOLLY WILDCATS (1-22 LAST YEAR)
Only six players recorded kills last year, with four returning in 2023. Josie Kissell (89), Graci Morlan (69), and Averee Davis (55) accounted for all but six of what returns. Ella Splitter owns the remainder. Each of those four had at least 138 digs. Kissell led the team with 191, while Davis was third with 174. Morlan was one ahead of Splitter with 139.
SOUTHERN PEAKS
Sangre de Cristo maintained its dominance over the rest of the teams in the Southern Peaks last season, improving to 16-0 over the last three years. The Thunderbirds have not lost a league contest since 2019, when La Veta was in the same conference. None of the current members of the league have beaten the T-birds since 2016. Sangre got into the regional round as the #24 seed and went 0-2.
ANTONITO TROJANS (10-12 LAST YEAR)
After finishing above .500 for three consecutive seasons, the Trojans dripped below that mark last year. Losses in five of their final seven matches cost them a shot at extended their streak. Antonito did not post any stats from last season, but they only had two seniors on the roster. Those two were their starting middle and one of their top back row defenders.
CENTENNIAL RAMS (3-16 LAST YEAR)
Centennial’s win total was cut in half from 2021 to 2022, and left the Rams still looking for their first winning season since 2016. They had five matches go the distance, three in a best of three format in tournament play. They were unable to win any of those contests. The roster will have a new look this year, with three of the seven from last year having graduated. An influx of youth has brought the roster up to 11 this season.
CREEDE MINERS (10-10 LAST YEAR)
Creede broke a string of three straight sub .500 seasons with last year’s 10-10 mark. The Miners were in danger of seeing that streak continue after losing four straight midway through the year, but got back on track by winning seven of their final 10. They only had three on the roster last season, split evenly between seniors and freshmen.
MOUNTAIN VALLEY INDIANS (0-17 LAST YEAR)
After not fielding a program during the 2020 COVID season, Mountain Valley has struggled the last two years. The Indians have gone 0-36 over those two frames, and only won a single set. They have been able to keep enthusiasm in the younger classes, with eight of the 10 on the roster this year being either freshmen or sophomores. Nova McConnaughhay and Gia Hammel, a senior and a junior, will be tasked with providing leadership to the young squad.
SANGRE DE CRISTO THUNDERBIRDS (10-15 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 IN REGIONALS)
For the first time since 2016, Sangre de Cristo finished the year with a losing mark in 2022. But, because the Thunderbirds were league champions, they advanced to regionals. The final team in the field, the T-birds were unable to move on after being swept in both matches. They will have to replace their lone hitter who finished with more than 100 kills, but with Palma Enriquez (97), Presley Wilson (80), Idahlia Garcia (69), and Kylie Smit (67) all coming back, there are plenty of arrows in the quiver. Enriquez, Smit, and Wilson all finished with more than 250 digs, and the Smit/Wilson combination recorded 338 assists.
SIERRA GRANDE PANTHERS (8-13 LAST YEAR)
After improving from four to five to eight wins over the previous three seasons, Sierra Grande plateaued last year, matching the win total from 2021. The Panthers are still hunting their first winning season since 2016, which was the last time the program reached regionals. With the roster last year featuring several top seniors, there will be some chances for young players to step up this year. That includes Ahlea Garcia, who returns as the leading hitter following her 61 kills as a sophomore. Jaylyn Quezada joined her with more than 100 digs, and Alexia Gonzalez was close with 92. Quezada was solid in her role as the setter, registering 274 assists.
UNION PACIFIC
Playing in a mixed league that features some tough 2A competition in the likes of Limon, Strasburg, and Burlington, the 1A teams in the Union Pacific sometimes get lost in the wash. Stratton has rewritten that script, winning the league each of the last three years and advancing to state each time. They were the lone representative on the 1A side to make the postseason, eventually going 1-2 at state.
DEER TRAIL EAGLES (10-12 LAST YEAR)
After going through a long stretch of records well on the negative side of the ledger, Deer Trail has been right around .500 for three of the last four years. A late push gave the Eagles a chance to finish right on the .500 mark last season, but a loss in the season finale put them two games under. They return a good nucleus, including Ally Hardwick (89 kills) and Allena Sanchez-Neil (85). Sanchez-Neil (131) and Jaden Gudenkauf (130) give the team a pair of strong back row defenders, and the duo combined for 290 assists.
FLAGLER PANTHERS (13-10 LAST YEAR)
One year after posting a losing mark in large part because of a winless go in the league, Flagler bounced back and posted its first winning season in the three years since the dissolution of the co-op with Hi-Plains. A five-match skid in September kept them from making the postseason, but with almost everyone back, regionals could be in the cards. Madison Crisp (267 kills) and Jaylie Stone (170) led the attack last year, and the Panthers also return KaCee Jo Saffer, who added 90 kills. Flagler returns five players who recorded triple digit digs, led by Stone with 275. Danika Hill, Crisp, Lexi Witt, and Saffer are the others. Stone also split the setting duties and registered 232 assists.
GENOA-HUGO/KARVAL PIRATES (7-16 LAST YEAR)
For the first time since 2013, Genoa-Hugo/Karval finished with a losing mark, and quite a bit of the blame rested on its struggles in league play. The Pirates only collected a single win inside the UP, but will bring back a very experienced squad as they try to get back to their winning ways. Caryn Hale gives them a senior leader in the attack after she posted a team-high 164 kills last season. Haley Ewing (81) and Jayli Lockhart (80) make is three potent weapons. Rhegan Sitzman leads a deep group of defenders after tallying 246 digs as a freshman. Hale, Kate Kissel, Lockhart, Ewing, Rylee Kelly, and Amy Pinon all finished with more than 100 digs, too. Sitzman also handled the setting duties, racking up 363 assists.
STRATTON EAGLES (17-11 LAST YEAR, WENT 1-2 AT STATE)
Stratton lost its first league game in two plus seasons as part of a three-match skid midway through last year’s slate. It was the only loss in league play for the Eagles, who bounced back to win their next eight straight. After losing the regional championship to Idalia, Stratton beat the Wolves to open state a week later, but could not keep it going and was eliminated two matches later. McKenna Notter led a tough three-headed attack with 291 kills. Kali Fox (178) and Sophie Isenbart (176) complete the trio. Notter piled up 488 digs, with her cousin Hanna Notter finishing second at 382. Jessica Brandon, Clare Miltenberger, and Elle Bohnen were also over 100 on the season. Brandon added 644 assists. The Eagles will also have Sedonia Isenbart back. She was limited to just 17 sets after recovering from surgery following a knee surgery in the 2021-22 basketball season.
WEST CENTRAL
Only two members of the mixed West Central league are part of the 1A classification, and neither reached the postseason last year. Both Cotopaxi and Cripple Creek-Victor are looking to change that outcome this year. With only four total teams in the league, the only path to the regional round is by finishing high enough to earn a wildcard.
COTOPAXI PIRATES (8-14 LAST YEAR)
Bringing back a very experienced crew, the Pirates are looking to earn their first league title since 2020. Finishing with a winning mark would also be a first for the program since that season. Abby Fieth just missed a 100 kill season, recording 98 last year. She’s the only one on the roster who had more than 40 a year ago. While the attack develops more threat, the defense should be solid. Fieth led the way with 144 digs, and Eden Merrill wasn’t far back with 138. Hayden Eggleston finished right at 100. Merrill tallied 192 assists as the primary setter.
CRIPPLE CREEK-VICTOR PIONEERS (2-14 LAST YEAR)
Cripple Creek-Victor has not had much success in the last decade and change, with no seasons of .500 or better since 2010. The last time the Pioneers even won as many as five matches was back in 2011. A senior heavy roster will attempt to leave their mark on the program by changing that this season. Mikiala McDowell, Julia Kennedy, Jacie Johnson, Mackenzie Pappas, and Izabella Jamison will be asked to lead the path to better results.
WESTERN SLOPE
The Western Slope is another mixed league, but with a total of 15 programs, if any of the three 1A teams wins the league title outright, they will clinch a spot at regionals. None of the three were able to do that last year.
CAPROCK ACADEMY EAGLES (8-15 LAST YEAR)
After having very limited success in six seasons at the 2A level, Caprock was placed in 1A back in 2020. The first two seasons for the Eagles were more of the same, with a total of five wins. But, they grew last season, climbing to eight, with most of their stat leaders being underclassmen. Karissa Riskey and Brookelyn Savoya led the team with 122 and 108 kills, respectively, during their sophomore season. Taylor Phillips added 88 as a freshman. Savoya also served up 75 aces, recorded 391 assists, and was second with 148 digs. Paige Moore, Moorea McCary, and Jaclynn Williams all topped 100 digs
DE BEQUE DRAGONS (6-17 LAST YEAR)
Two years after a regional berth in 2018, De Beque went through a winless 2020. The Dragons picked up three wins the following season and saw that total double last year. With four players who hammered out triple digit kills all returning, the Dragons should see that tally grown once again. The attack was led last year by Ava Vines with 197, followed by Avery Rigsby (175), Rachel Graham (150) and Ally Sandidge (100). All four also put together triple digit digs, with Sandidge, Graham, and Vines all going over 200. Graham (292) and Rigsby (153) shared the setting duties.
NORTH PARK WILDCATS (6-17 LAST YEAR)
After failing to finish above .500 for five straight seasons, the Wildcats got to within one match of that mark in 2021. They dropped back down last year, finishing with four fewer wins. Four of their losses were in matches that went the distance. With their second best hitter gone, the Wildcats may need more production from Dezirae Gonzales, who led the team with 210 kills. Lexi Crews can take some of the pressure off with a climb from her 52 last year. The only category Gonzales did not lead the team in last year was assists, and she’s the top returnee in that stat with 26. Her 549 digs were 365 more than the next best returning player (Crews).
YWKC
Otis has long been the top dog (no pun intended) in the YWKC league, but in recent years, Idalia has risen up to challenge the Bulldogs. Both punched tickets to the state tournament last year, Idalia by winning its region and Otis by way of a wild card. Arickaree gave the league three teams in the postseason, but the Bison went 0-2 in regionals.
ARICKAREE BISON (16-9 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 IN REGIONALS)
In the first season after the end of its co-op with Woodlin, Arickaree exploded to surpass the win total of the three previous seasons combined and posted the first winning campaign for the program since 2017. The Bison bring back their top three hitters from last year in Raeya Schrock (183 kills), McKenna Jesse (92), and Ja’Niya Smith (90), all of whom were sophomores. Schrock is the lone player coming back who had more than 100 digs, but Lily Monat (89) and Janice Kalcevic (67) will help take some of the load off this season. Monat shared setting duties and finished with 270 assists.
BETHUNE BOBCATS (5-18 LAST YEAR)
It’s been quite some time since Bethune finished on the top side of the .500 mark, as the Bobcats have not posted a winning record during the MaxPreps era. In fact, the only time they’ve been close was in 2019 when they went 9-11. Last year got off to a great start with wins in four of their first five matches. They went 1-17 the rest of the way. Jamie Strobel led the attack with 95 kills and Maddie Powell added 51. The duo were separated by two digs, with Powell collecting 155 and Strobel getting 153. Paulina Reyes registered 131.
HI-PLAINS PATRIOTS (7-16 LAST YEAR)
For the third time in as many seasons after the co-op with Flagler dissolved, Hi-Plains failed to finish the season above the .500 level. The Patriots got to that mark in 2020, but have had back to back losing records since. There is reason to believe that streak could end this year, as they return every player who recorded a kill, and nearly every other stat. Dejah Haymore was the lone player with more than 100 kills, recording 116, but Cloe Smith (83), Caelan Church (61), and Jessica Sayles (60) give depth to the attack. The Henschel sisters, Brooklynn (285), and Addi (149) led the team in digs, while Jazmine Hile (144), Church (123), and Smith (98) give the Patriots their top five back. Alexis Harvie recorded 229 assists as the primary setter.
IDALIA WOLVES (22-5 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 AT STATE)
Going back to the 2020 COVID shortened season, Idalia has put three straight winning marks on the board. They knocked Otis out of the league championship spot in 2021, and finished second to the Bulldogs last year. Each of those last two seasons ended up with a state tournament appearance, but the Wolves went 0-2 both years. The Wolves return three of their top four hitters in Kyndal Richards (297), Addy Juhnke (231), and Jaylyn Kechter (144). Richards also led the team with 350 digs, and Juhnke was third with 287. Krista Wieser (181), Callie Richards (174), Brigette Kite (125), and Trista Richards (100) all finished with triple digits. Wieser tallied 568 assists and Kite added 176.
LONE STAR LONGHORNS (7-16 LAST YEAR)
Former Otis product, Sydney Reynolds, will look to guide the team just to the north to its first winning season since the Longhorns finished in plus territory in 2018 and 2019. Lone Star won just one league match each of the last two seasons, so an improvement against the rest of the YWKC would be a good start towards that goal. Seniors Aleighcea Kuntz and Amanda Kubitz will look to guide a very young squad, that will need to find a new #1 setter after losing theirs to graduation.
OTIS BULLDOGS (18-8 LAST YEAR, WENT 0-2 AT STATE)
For the 14th time in the last 16 years, Otis went unbeaten in league play. The Bulldogs have dropped a total of two sets during the MaxPreps era, and have played for the state title five times, winning three. The last time they were in the final pairing was in 2015, when they collected their most recent championship. The Bulldogs lost their big swinger to graduation, but bring back Madelyn Willeke, who pounded 188 kills. She heads up an attack that includes Kayce Perry, Aedyn Tribelhorn, Jaylin Weber, and Alli Hornung. Hornung and Willeke combined for close to 90 blocks, while Alexa Bencomo and Perry were good for more than another 50. Weber served up a team-leading 44 aces.
MileHigh Prep Report 