Class 2A Volleyball Season Preview (Black Forest thru Patriot League)
By Tayler Garcia
We start our deep dive into the Volleyball season by looking at the Class 2A teams from last year. We look at every team in Class 2A in both articles. Class 1A will be out Thursday and Friday with Class 3A out next week.
The other half of the Class 2A Preview is located Below (San Juan League thru Freelance)
2A Black Forest League
Calhan (22-3)
Last season, the Calhan Bulldogs ended their season with a 22-3 record and at the top of the Black Forest League with a 5-0 league record. They ended their season 1-1 in the playoffs. Their losses were against Simla earlier in the season, then Little Snake River. They followed up with a 16-game win streak and finally lost to Swink in the second game of the playoffs which ended their season.
Last seasons top stat leaders who are projected to return for the 2024 season are Haley Gerhart (Sr) who had 30 total blocks and 182 kills, Aubrie Waugh(Jr) who had 13 total blocks and 133 assists, Tialer Willis (Sr) who had 12 total blocks, 31 serving aces, and 164 assists, Kailey Peterson (Sr) who had 44 serving aces, 210 digs, 186 assists, 195 kills, and 272 receptions, and Bella Aljets (Sr) who had 301 digs.
Dolores Huerta Prep (1-20)
The Dolores Huerta Scorpions went 1-20 last season and finished 6th in Black Forest league after not winning any of their five league games. Their single win for the season came against Atlas Preparatory, 3-2.
The team was young last season and will be returning all but four players form last seasons roster. This includes stat leaders from last season including Gabby Vasquez (So) who had 4 total blocks, Natalie Munoz (Jr) with 3 total blocks, 28 serving aces, 172 digs, 18 assists, 34 kills and 166 receptions, Sarah Medina (Jr) with 2 total blocks, Jaiden Mass (Sr) who had 25 serving aces, 96 digs, 18 assists, 19 kills and 124 receptions, Analicia Vasquez (Sr) with 14 serving aces and 42 assists, and Layla Casaus (Jr) who had 111 digs and 98 receptions.
Fountain Valley (9-10)
Fountain Valley ended their season 4th in the Black Forest with a 2-3 league record out of their 9-10 overall record. The Danes unfortunately did not make the playoffs, but they ended their season with a win against Banning Lewis Academy 3-2.
Another young team in the league, Fountain Valley will be returning their roster with only one senior loss. Returning for the 2025 season are stat leaders Phoebe Bain (Sr) who had 62 total blocks, 44 serving aces, 152 digs, 10 assists, 124 kills and 262 receptions, Evelyn Brown (So) who had 49 total blocks, 9 assists and 56 kills, Eva Mucino (Sr) who had 22 total blocks, 42 serving aces and 276 assists, Anna Edds (Sr) who had 40 serving aces, 161 digs and 195 receptions, and Mei Sather (Sr) who had 91 kills and 160 receptions.
Liberty Tree Academy (3-12)
The War Eagles will be kicking off their third season this year after going 3-12 last year with a 2-0 league record against Monument Academy and Poudre Community Academy. Liberty Tree did not play in the playoffs last season but will be looking for success in the Black Forest League.
To kick-off their third season, the War Eagles are projected to return Lillian Abney (So) at middle hitter, Abigail Jeffers (So) at setter, Alena Nagel (Sr) at setter, Analiese Miller (Jr) at middle hitter, Avery Sanders (Sr) at defensive specialist, Isabella Seidl (Sr) at outside hitter, Brie Seidle (Jr) at opposite hitter, and Raquel Mejia (So) at defensive specialist.
Monument Academy (0-2)
The Monument Academy Lynx will be starting their third season this year after a tough second season. The team will be looking for improvement this season in the Black Forest League, which will be important for this new team.
Peyton (11-12)
Peyton ended 2nd in the Black Forest league last season behind Calhan with a 4-1 league record and an 11-12 overall record. The Panthers broke up a 4-game losing streak with two wins against Thomas MacLaren and Highland to end the season, but they did not make the playoffs.
Peyton will be looking to improve their season this year despite losing four seniors. Returning for the Panthers are stat leaders Sammie Nickell who had 32 total blocks and 144 kills last season, Masyn Gregg who had 13 total blocks and 157 kills, Savannah Kelley (Sr) who had 26 serving aces, 344 digs, 19 assists, 236 kills and 368 receptions, and Abby Wilfong who had 100 receptions.
Simla (24-5)
The Cubs had a successful season last year in 1A, going 24-5 and taking fist the in 1A Black Forest League and being the State Runner-ups in 1A. They went 4-2 in the play-offs, with both of their play-off losses being to Merino who became the 1A State Champions. This season, Simla will be moving up to 2A and will be looking to have the same success.
Returning for the Cubs are stat leaders Elle Leininger (Sr) who had 52 total blocks and 178 kills, Kylie Maranville (Sr) who had 38 total blocks, 305 kills and 175 receptions, Katie Gotschall (Jr) who had 36 total blocks, Meadow Nusbaum (Sr) who had 78 serving aces, 277 digs, and 890 assists and Carlee Cox (So) with 61 serving aces, 337 digs, 307 kills, and 470 receptions.
Thomas MacLaren School (8-13)
The Highlanders ended 3rd in the league last season with a 2-3 league record out of their 8-13 overall record. They unfortunately did not make the play-offs, however, they will be looking for a more successful post season as they kick off their third season.
The team will be returning most of their stat leaders from last season including Sara Christensen (Jr) who had 27 total blocks and 53 kills, Meg Ambuuk (Sr) who had 10 total blocks, Kat Malott-Uptergrove with 51 serving aces, 30 digs, and 35 kills, Jannel Montez (Sr) who had 27 serving aces, Faith Brooks (Sr) who had 39 digs, and Abigail Hassell (Jr) who had 22 digs, 29 kills and 10 receptions.
2A Confluence League
Lotus School For Excellence (0-23)
The Meteors did not have the successful season that they were hoping for last year, going 0-10 in league play and 0-23 overall. The team was comprised of mostly seniors and freshman last year, which should help give Lotus School some foundational building blocks to have a more successful season this year.
Returning players this year include Erin Moon (So), Sabrin Ahmed (So), Jazmin Ninalaya (So), Loreley Bernal Juarez (So), Arsitti Ahmed (So), Lily Tegeri (So), Monica Arias (Jr), Misan Salim (Jr), Siham Godana (So), and Isabella Yama Vidal (So).
2A Foothills League
Addenbrooke Classical Academy (11-12)
The Mustangs went 11-12 overall in the 2023 season with a 5-3 league record and ended up 3rd in the Confluence league. Last season the team did not make the playoffs, however they will be looking to change that this season.
Returning to the Mustang Roster for the 2024 season are stat leaders Jubilee Trueman (Jr) with 15 total blocks, Maezy Black Hawk (Jr) who had 12 total blocks, Claudia Hensley (Sr) who had 67 serving aces, 232 digs, 106 kills, and 243 receptions, Reena Lanzen (Jr) with 56 serving aces, 63 kills and 315 assists, and Lucia Rodriguez (Jr) with 116 assists.
Golden View Classical Academy (11-10)
The Sentinels completed their 2023 season with a winning record of 11-10 overall, a 4-3 league record and they finished 4th in the Foothills league. Golden View lost their two games to end their season and will be looking for a little more success this season to make a playoff run.
Coming back to help the team have a successful season will be Molly Wheaton (Jr) who had 10 total blocks, Ellie Smith (Sr) who had 46 serving aces, 110 digs, 93 kills and 206 receptions, Maggie Doran (Sr) who had 37 serving aces, 64 digs, 152 assists, and 81 kills, and Katie Heldt (Sr) who had 117 digs, 10 assists, and 191 receptions.
Loveland Classical (18-7)
Loveland Classical ended 3rd in the foothill league last season with an 18-7 overall record and a 6-2 league record, losing to Windsor Charter Academy for both league losses. The Lions made it to post-season play where they ended 0-2 against Del Norte and Plateau Valley. They will be looking to have another successful season this year as they bring back most of their stat leaders from last season.
Returning stat leaders are Keira Doan (Jr) who had 19 total blocks, 49 serving aces, and 314 assists, Jersie Stohler (Jr) who had 16 total blocks, 58 serving aces, 113 digs, 111 kills and 235 receptions, Sophie Archuleta (Sr) with 69 serving aces, 179 digs, and 324 receptions, and Avery Klawson (So) who had12 assists.
Nederland (7-15)
The Panthers ended their 2023 season with a 7-15 record and went 1-7 in the foothills league, finishing 8th. Nederland graduates two seniors off the roster this season so they will be looking for their return players to lead them to a more successful season this year.
Returning for the Panthers are stat leaders Natalia Garcia-Upczak (Sr) who had 42 total blocks and 54 kills, Payton Kutscher (Sr) who had 6 total blocks, 58 serving aces, 80 digs and 175 assists, Autumn Pattridge (Sr) who had 2 total blocks and 50 kills, Kendall Zotti (Sr) who had 42 serving aces, 167 digs, and 5 assists, and Amelie Bodnar (Sr) with 73 kills and 212 receptions.
Twin Peaks Charter Academy (9-13)
The Timberwolves had mixed success last season, going 9-13 overall and 2-5 in league play which left them in 6th in the Foothills League. Twin Peaks Charter ended their season with two wins, against Poudre Community and Nederland. The team will lose 5 of their players from last season but will still be looking to improve their season this year.
Some of the roster who will be returning this season are stat leaders Abby Anglund (Sr) who had 13 total blocks, 27 serving aces, 178 digs, 8 assists and 42 kills, Violet Warren (Sr) who had 11 total blocks, 35 serving aces, 214 digs, 42 kills and 184 receptions, and Fernanda Puerta-Sarinana (Jr) who had 143 receptions.
Vanguard Classical East (1-6)
In their third season, the Hawks went 1-6 overall and 0-4 in league play which out them in 9th in the Foothills league. The team was able to win their last game of the season against Willaim Smith 3-2, which the team will be looking to carry that success into this season.
2A Frontier League
Lake County (23-2)
Lake County had a very successful season last year going 23-2 overall and 14-1 in league play, allowing them to capture the 1st place spot in the Frontier league. After a 20-game win streak during the season, the Panthers lost to Fort Lupton 3-2, but they were able to win their next three games, losing to Meeker during their final game of the season, leaving them 1-1 in post season play.
Lake County will have five players that they will need to replace this year, but returning to lead the team this season will be stat leaders from the 2023 year including Maggie Roeder (Sr) who had 21 total blocks and 704 assists, Isabella Speckman (So) who had 8 total blocks, and Kelsesa Roeder (Sr), who had 77 serving aces, 186 digs, 212 kills and 249 receptions.
Platte Canyon (9-14)
The Huskies ended their season 8th in the Frontier League with a 7-8 league record and went 9-14 overall. The team will be looking this year to improve their success but will have some big shoes to fill with them losing some of their stat leaders from last season.
Returning for the Huskies this season will be stat leaders Sydni Shuss (Sr) who lead the team last season in total blocks with 39, Hayden Lane (Sr) who had 51 serving aces last season as well as 199 digs, 82 kills and 229 receptions, and Meadow Newton (Jr) who had 95 digs and 286 receptions.
Sheridan (2-19)
Having a bit of tough season last year, the Rams ended 13th in the league with a 1-13 league record and they went 2-19 overall. Both of their wins were against Bruce Randolph and will be looking to have more success this season.
Returning to the roster this season to help the team find success is Naiomi Tafoya (Sr) with 1 total block, 4 assists and 2 kills, Nimsi Lastre (Sr) with 3 serving aces 2 assists, and 1 kill, Charlie Carrillo with 2 serving aces and 11 receptions, and Kahea Faraci (Sr) with 1 serving ace, 1 assist and 8 receptions.
2A Lower Platte League
Haxtun (19-9)
The Bulldogs had a successful season in 2023, and went 19-9 overall, 6-2 in league and ended up third in the Lower Platte league. After having a 7-game win streak, Haxtun’s win streak was broken by Merino to end regular season play. Haxtun made it into postseason play where they were able to go 3-to end 2023. The Bulldogs will be looking to repeat their seasons’ success this year.
Stat leaders returning for the 2024 season are Bobbi Starkebaum (Sr) who had 72 total blocks, 70 assists, and 218 kills, Jayleigh Bullard (Sr) with 58 total blocks and 152 kills, Lilly Lemesany (Jr) who had 41 serving aces, Kelsie Hadeen (Sr) who had 364 assists, Jayleigh Bullard (Sr) with 152 kills, and Emily Anderson (Sr) who had 269 receptions.
Holyoke (11-14)
Finishing 6th in the Lower Platte League, the Dragons had a 11-14 overall record for the season and went 3-5 in league play. They were able to make it into post season play where they went 1-1, losing to Rye 2-3. Holyoke will only be losing two seniors off their roster, so they will be looking for an improvement on their season.
Returning stat leaders for Holyoke are Ellie Kleve (Jr) who had 75 total blocks and 149 kills, Anessa Colglazier (Jr) who had 60 total blocks. 401 digs, 36 assists, 337 kills and 317 receptions, Isabelle Kropp (Jr) who had 36 total blocks, 29 serving aces, 312 digs, and 358 assists, and Courtlyn Kinnie (Jr) who had 23 serving aces and 323 receptions.
Sedgwick County (22-8)
The State Runner-ups from last season, Sedgwick County went 22-8 overall, 5-3 in league play and ended 4th in the Lower Platte League. The Cougars went on a seven-game win streak that was broken up by Haxtun. In post season play, the Cougars went 6-2, losing to the State Champions, 2-3. The team will be losing four seniors this season, so look to see the same success and maybe a revenge tour for Sedgwick County.
Leading the team this season are last seasons’ stat leaders Abigail Dille (Sr) who had 90 total blocks, 304 kills and 557 receptions, Keyana Ehnes who had 70 total blocks, 56 serving aces, 202 kills, and 423 receptions, Ryen Carlson (So) who had 44 serving aces, 361 digs, and 554 assists, and Lainee Nein (Jr) who had 35 serving aces, 473 digs, 437 assists, and 390 kills.
Wiggins (25-4)
After a 25-4 season, going 7-1 in league play and finishing 2nd in the Lower Platte League, Wiggins won 8 straight games to end the season become the 2A State Champions. The losses the Tigers had were to Platte Valley 3-1, Merino 3-0, Sterling 2-0, and Alamosa 2-0. With the roster only losing four players, this team will be looking to repeat their success this season and will be a tough game for any team they face in 2024.
Stat leaders from last season who will be leading the team this year will be Riley Hunt (Sr) who had 38 total blocks, 42 serving aces, 287 kills and 369 receptions, and Kennedy Kerr (Sr) who had 44 serving aces, 299 digs, and 996 assists.
Wray (9-16)
The Eagles had mixed success last season and ended the season with a 9-16 overall record, went 2-6 in league play and finished 7th in the Lower Platte. Wray won six games in a row during the season and was able to make it to the playoffs where they went 0-2. They will be losing eight seniors off of the roster so they will be looking to the returning players and the upcoming youth to find success this season.
Returning for the Eagles are stat leaders from 2023 Caroline Weber (Sr) who had 33 total blocks, and Kaytie Harms who had 37 serving aces, 310 assists and 117 kills.
Yuma (12-12)
The Outlaws had a 0.50%-win percentage last season and finished 12-12 overall and 4-4 in league play, which left them 5th in the Lower Platte League. They were able to make it to the playoffs where they went 0-2 to end the season. Yuma will be losing a lot of seniors and will be looking to their returning players for experience and to find success this season.
Returning for the team are stat leaders Lauren Gonzales (So) who had 34 total blocks, Alina Moran (Sr), who had 32 total blocks and 99 kills, and Bailey Nighswonger (Jr) who had 27 serving aces, 246 digs, 163 assists, and 273 receptions.
2A Metro League
Denver Christian (14-11)
The Thunder ended 5th in the Mile High League last year after finishing 7-4 in league play and going 14-11 overall. This season, Denver Christian will be in the Metro League with 10 other teams where they will be looking to bring back most of their roster and find some success this season.
Returning for Denver Christian this season are stat leaders Quin Covey (Jr) who had 30 total blocks and 66 kills, Natalie Bohannon (Jr) who had 13 total blocks, Ava Vandre Griend (Sr) who had 59 serving aces, 236 digs, 222 kills and 182 receptions, Noelani Book (Sr) who had 50 serving aces and 436 assists, Erika Middel (Sr) who had 33 serving aces, 432 digs and 424 receptions, Bree Austin (Jr) who had 186 digs and 206 receptions, Libby Goodall (Jr) who had 71 assists and Addison Ruter (Jr) who had 179 kills.
2A Mile High League
Bishop Machebeuf (9-14)
After going 9-14 during the season, the Buffaloes ended 7th in the Mile High League with a 5-6 league record. The team will be losing a lot of seniors this season and will be a young team. They will need to rely on the experience of returning players to guide the youth through the season and to find some success., including returning stat leaders from last season, Hope Chavez (Jr), who has 32 serving aces and 111 assists.
Clear Creek (9-12)
The Clear Creek Gold Diggers ended their 2023 season 9-12 overall and finished 7th in the Mile High League with a 5-6 league record. The team will be losing 5 seniors from last season’s roster, and they will be looking to younger returning players to find more success this season.
Some of these returning players include 2023 stat leaders Kambery Martin (Jr) who had 25 total blocks and 87 kills, Elliot Dunbar (Jr) who had 48 serving aces, 140 digs, 86 kills and 245 receptions, Presley King (Sr) who had 25 serving aces, 216 digs, and 303 receptions, Kiera Ginter (Jr) who had 180 assists, Shauna Moutray (So) who had 114 assists, and Ella Lesser (Sr) who had 109 assists.
Dawson School (6-16)
Dawson School ended their previous season 10th in the Mile High league last season with a 2-8 league record and a 6-16 overall record. With three seniors having graduated, the team will be looking to this year’s seniors and other returning athletes to pull from their experience and find more success this season.
Stat leaders who will be returning this season will be Bella Ward (Jr) who had 43 total blocks, 6 assists, and 44 kills, Reece Giffels (Sr) who had 12 total blocks, 24 serving aces, 202 digs, 106 kills, and 168 receptions, Cat DeHerrera (So) who had 33 serving aces, 161 digs, 51 assists, and 286 receptions, Maya Kish (Sr) who had 98 digs, 23 serving aces, and 163 receptions, and Chloe Sebek who had 229 assists.
Dayspring Christian Academy (12-13)
The Eagles 2023 season had an almost 0.50%-win percentage. They had a 12-13 overall record with a 9-2 league record, and they finished 3rd in the Mile High League. After winning 6 games in a row to end the regular season, Dayspring was able to play in the post season, but went 0-2 to end the season. With only three seniors leaving the roster, this team will be expecting to have a successful season this year.
Returning stat leaders are Bella Flores (Jr) who had 16 total blocks, 40 serving aces 241 digs, 91 assists and 279 receptions, Tacey Downs (Sr) who had 9 total blocks, Emmery Bonnel (Sr) who had 33 serving aces, 330 digs and 389 assists, Abbey Casey (Jr) who had 30 serving aces, 237 digs, 17 assists, and 115 kills, and McKenna Rennie who had 197 receptions.
Front Range Christian (22-3)
Front Range Christian had a perfect league play record of 10-0 last season, which placed them 1st in the Mile High league. The Falcons went on a 13-game win streak to enter into the playoffs where they ended 1-1, completing their season with a 22-3 overall record. They will be losing six seniors from last year, which means the team will be relying on returning players for the experience and to maintain the team’s success into this season.
Returning stat leaders for 2024 will be Lucy Krum (Jr) who had 55 total blocks, Shayla Hajka (Sr), who had 33 serving aces, 244 digs, 23 assists, 133 kills and 328 receptions, and Eadlin Hoff (Sr) who had 205 kills.
Gilpin County (12-11)
Gilpin County ended their 2023 season winning about half of their games, ending with a 12-11 overall record, a 7-4 league record, and finishing 4th in the Mile High League. The Eagles did not make it into the playoffs last year and will be looking to improve their success this season and will hope to make a playoff run.
Retuning in the 2024 season are stat leaders Jiselle Osteboe (Sr) with 51 total blocks, 36 serving aces, and 188 kills, Annabelle Aloel (Sr) who had 20 total blocks, Elise Vincent (Jr) who had 17 total blocks, 184 digs and 380 receptions, and Kenzie Marr (Sr) who had 236 digs, and 535 receptions.
Heritage Christian (11-14)
The Eagles went 11-14 last year and ended 5-6 in league play and ended 6th in the Mile High League. They ended their season going 0-2 in post-season play and with only 2 players who graduated, the team will be looking to improve their success and they will be trying to make a bigger run in the playoffs.
Returning stat leaders for Heritage Christian are Kristin Osborne (Jr) who had 25 total blocks, 39 serving aces, and 558 assists, Staci Brown (Sr) who had 11 total blocks and 83 kills, Annabelle Loucks (So) who had 8 total blocks, 225 digs, 37 assists, 232 kills and 225 receptions, Naomee Prince-Schwab who had 37 serving aces, Abby Leveillee (Jr) who had 245 digs, 45 assists, and 545 receptions, and Kayla Cuckler (Sr) who had 244 digs, 189 kills, and 326 receptions.
Lyons (18-7)
Lyons had a successful season last year and ended 2nd in the Mile High League with a 10-1 league record and 18-7 overall. Their successful season ended with them playing in the playoffs where they ended 0-2 to end the post season play. The Lions will be returning all but five seniors this year to try to have repeated success.
Returning this season to lead the team are 2023 stat leaders Michaela Coleman (So) who had 88 total blocks, 36 serving aces, and 117 kills, Sienna Reed (Sr) who had 37 serving aces, 290 digs, 15 assists and 224 receptions, Gen Newell (Sr) who had 161 digs, 4 assists, 104 kills and 172 receptions, and Scarlett Voss (Sr) who had 508 assists.
SkyView Academy (7-16)
Finishing 11th in the Mile High league, SkyView Academy went 2-9 in league play and 7-16 overall last season. Because of their record, the Hawks did not make it to the playoffs, and with five seniors lost on the roster, the team will be looking to this season’s upper classes to lead the team and find success.
Stat leaders that will be returning on the roster are Mei Li Scholl (Jr) who had 55 total blocks and 76 kills, Avenly Lewis (Jr) who had 31 total blocks and 51 kills, Ashley Deeds (Sr) who had 16 serving aces, 90 digs and 169 receptions, Yamiley Gonzalez (Sr) who had 13 serving aces and 34 assists, and Jenna Ballain (Sr) who had 137 digs, 5 assists and 273 receptions.
Union Colony Prep (1-20)
The Timberwolves ended their season with a single win against Nederland, going 1-20 overall in the season, 0-11 in league play and finishing 12th in the Mile High League. They will be returning all but one senior this year and will be looking improve their success this season.
Stat leaders retuning to the roster are Nadene Chacon (Jr) who had 3 total blocks, 42 serving aces, 152 digs, and 127 assists, Savannah Cooper (Jr) who had 2 total blocks and 20 assists, Isabella Nelson-Duffy (Sr) who had 31 serving aces and 55 assists, Jaelynn Valdez (Jr) who had 167 digs, and Aubrey Rodriguez (So) who had 35 kills.
2A Patriot League
Highland (5-18)
The Huskies did not have the most successful season last year, but they still had some wins and ended 5-18 overall with a 3-8 league record and 9th in the Mile High League. Highland will be the lone 2A team in Patriot League this year and will be looking for the experienced players to lead the team to success this year.
2023 stat leaders who will be returning this season are Kailey Lesquier (Sr) who had 10 total blocks and 119 kills, Nikki Quinones (So) who had 55 serving aces, 167 digs and 263 receptions, Leah Vara (So) who had 38 serving aces and 206 assists, Kaiya Walkup (Sr) who had 32 serving aces and 106 digs, Lizzy Baker-Sverak who had 81 kills, and McKenna Randol (Sr) who had 122 receptions.
MileHigh Prep Report 