2024 Colorado 2A State Volleyball Tournament Preview and Season Recap
By: Tayler Garcia
This week we will crown a 2024 State Volleyball Winner! We are down to the final 12 teams. Each team has battled all season long to prove they belong in this tournament and are worthy of being the next (or maintain their title of) State winner! Here we take a look at each team in order of game play and discuss their roads here, including who each team faced and beat, as well as each programs history in the last decade, and who is leading their team in the State Tournament.
First Round Winners Bracket
Game 1: 8:00am
8. Del Norte
Del Norte made it State Tournament when they won the region 8 regionals after beating Fountain Valley and Caprock Academy last weekend, both 3-0. This season, the Tigers have gone 21-2 overall on the season and took the 1st place in the Southern Peaks League after going 6-0 in league play. The two losses that Del Norte have so far this season were against Sargent (1-3) and McClave (0-3). Del Norte has face Sanford and Hoehne this season, teams who have also made it to the tournament, and beat them 3-2 and 3-1. Del Norte has never won a state championship for volleyball and will be looking to make school history and will be facing Haxtun in the first round and if they will face Simla in the second round.
Playoff History:
2023 – 1-1 at regionals
2022 – 1-1 at regionals
2019 – 3-1 at regionals, 0-2 at State
2018 – 2-0 in regionals, 1-2 at State
2017 – 3-1 in regionals, 0-2 at State
2016 – 4-0 in regionals, 1-1 at State
2015 – 3-1 in regionals, 1-1 at State
Stat Leaders:
Baylie Laymon – 68 total blocks,
Hadley Legget – 165 kills, 50 total blocks,
Reese Brown – 225 kills, 50 serving aces, 14 total blocks, 268 digs,
Brynley Brown – 181 kills, 37 serving aces, 13 assists
Kailee Gallegos – 33 serving aces, 265 digs, 573 assists
Emma Parra – 357 digs, 81 assists
Team Totals: 834 kills, 185 serving aces, 143 total blocks, 1409 digs, 981 assists
9. Haxtun
Haxtun is the winner of region 9 after getting wins over Custer County (3-0) and Denver Christian (3-2) in regionals to make it to the State tournament. This season, Haxtun has 16-8 overall record, a 5-3 league record and are 4th in the Lower Platte League. Haxtun lost to Sedgwick County this season twice, once1-3 and the second 0-3, and they also lost to Wiggins 2-3. The bulldogs have not faced other state tournament teams but will be looking to make school history and win their first state volleyball title this year. Their road will start in a game against Del Norte where the winner will then take on Simla.
Playoff History:
2023 – 0-1 on regionals, 2-2 at state
2022 – 1-1 at regionals
2021 – 2-0 at regionals, 2-2 at state
2020 – 0-2 at regionals
2019 – 3-0 at districts, 2-0 at regionals, 0-2 at state
2018 – 2-1 at districts, 2-0 at regionals, 2-2 at state
2017 – 1-1 at districts, 0-2 at regionals
2016 – 2-2 at districts, 0-2 at regionals
2015 – 1-1 at districts
Stat Leaders:
Bobbi Starkebaum – 227 kills, 80 total blocks, 320 assists
Josie Freeman – 43 total blocks
Jayleigh Bullard – 44 total blocks, 235 kills
Lilly Lemesany – 70 serving aces, 353 digs, 68 assists, 518 receptions
Maggie Kilgour – 179 kills, 55 serving aces, 270 digs, 385 receptions
Kelsie Hadeen – 37 serving aces, 180 digs, 417 assists
Emily Anderson – 268 receptions
Team Totals – 970 kills, 254 serving aces, 134 total blocks, 1376 digs, 877 assists, 1623 receptions
Game 2: 9:30am
5. Colorado Springs Christian
Colorado Springs Christian won region 5 last week after beating Lake County (3-0) and Fowler (3-1). The Lions enter the state tournament with a 21-4 overall record, an 11-1 league record and they ended 2nd in the Tri-Peaks league. This season, C.S. Christian faced Wiggins which was the only other state tournament team they played this season and beat them in tournament play 2-0. The Lions will be looking to capture their first State title since 2009. Their tournament will kick off against Sanford where the winner will then face Swink.
Playoff History:
State Title Won: 6 (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
2023 – 2-0 in regionals, 0-2 in state
2022 – 0-2 in regionals
2019 – 2-0 in regionals, 3-2 at state
2018 – 2-0 in regionals, 4-1 at state (runner-ups)
2017 – 0-2 in regionals
2016 – 2-0 in regionals 2-1 at state
2015 – 2-0 in regionals, 2-1 at state
Stat Leaders
Mattea Homan – 40 total blocks, 49 serving aces
Abigail Perry – 34 total blocks, 88 serving aces, 492 assists, 168 kills
Abi Howard – 27 total blocks, 58 serving aces, 181 digs, 24 assists, 171 kills, 130 receptions
Jordyn Rollins – 294 digs, 93 assists, 152 kills, 566 receptions
Rose Ross – 259 digs, 159 receptions
Team Totals: 816 kills, 299 serving aces, 111 total blocks, 1426 digs, 654 assists, 973 receptions
12. Sanford
Sanford is the winner of region 12 after beating Limon 3-0 and Meeker 3-2. This season, the Mustangs went 17-8 overall, 5-1 in league play and ended 2nd in the Southern Peaks League. This season, state tournament teams Sanford has faced are Swink, Del Norte, and Rye which were all losses for the Mustangs (0-3, 3-2, and 0-3 respectively). Sanford will be looking for their first State Volleyball title to add to their collection of basketball titles this year. They will kick off their state tournament against Colorado Spring Christian where the winner will move on to face Swink.
Playoff History:
2023 – 0-2 in regionals
2022 – 2-0 in regionals, 0-2 at state
2021 – 1-1 at regionals
2019 – 1-0 at regionals, 1-1 at state
2018 – 1-1 at regionals
2017 – 1-3 at districts
2016 – 0-1 at districts
2015 – 1-3 at districts
Stat leaders:
Avery Koenig – 44 total blocks, 29 assists
Riley Willett – 28 total blocks
Shasta Bond – 20 total blocks, 35 serving aces, 10 assists, 141 kills, 210 receptions
Brooklyn Reynolds – 26 serving aces, 148 digs, 509 assists,
Claire Crowther – 32 serving aces, 144 kills,
Brinlyn Smith – 224 digs, 472 receptions
Bella Peterson – 163 digs, 142 kills, 407 receptions
Team Totals – 639 kills, 191 serving aces, 119 total blocks, 950 digs, 560 assists,1385 receptions
Game 3: 11:00am
6. Wiggins
Wiggins enters the state tournament after going 16-9 overall, 6-2 in league play, ending 3rd in the Lower Platte League, and beating Ascent Classical Academy and Dayspring Christian Academy both 3-0. This season, against other state tournament teams, Wiggins fell to Simla 0-2 and 1-3, beat Haxtun 3-2, and lost to Sedgwick County 2-3. The Tigers will be looking to defend their state title this year and will kick off their tournament journey against Hoehne. The winner of this game will advance to face Lyons.
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State Titles: 2 (2023, 2020)
2023: 2-0 at regionals, 4-0 at State (Champions)
2022: 2-0 at regionals, 2-2 at state
2021: 2-0 at regionals, 3-1 at state (runner -ups)
2020: 2-0 at regionals, 3-0 at State (Champions)
2019: 2-0 at regionals, 4-2 at state
2018: 2-0 at regionals, 2-2 at state
2017: 3-1 at districts 0-2 at regionals 2-2 at state
2016: 0-1 in districts
2015: 2-2 at districts, 0-2 in regionals
Stat leaders:
Tenleigh Lorenzini: 53 total blocks,
Brooke Schmidt: 43 total blocks
Kennedy Kerr: 36 total blocks, 50 serving aces, 245 digs, 581 assists, 138 kills
Jaydin Busch: 26 serving aces, 82 assists
Saria Hawkins: 15 serving aces, 186 digs, 166 receptions,
Ali Beauprez: 367 digs, 48 assists, 455 receptions
Mackenzee Steinbar: 2014 kills
Karsyn Kerr: 177 kills, 132 receptions
Team Totals: 890 kills, 154 serving aces, 137 total blocks, 1408 digs, 841 assists, 1307 receptions
11. Hoehne
After beating Gilpin County 3-2 and Rangely 3-0, Hoehne became the region 11 champions and made it to the state tournament. The Farmers this season are 16-9 overall, 6-2 in league play and ended 3rd in the Santa Fe League. Against other state tournament team, Hoehne has faces Swink, Simla, Rye and Del Norte. Hoehne lost to Swink the first time they met 0-3 but was able to get the win the second time 3-1. The Farmers lost to Simla 0-3, Rye 2-3 and Del Norte 1-3. Hoehne is chasing their third state volleyball title in school history and will start their battles off against Wiggins, where the winner will then face Lyons.
Playoff History:
State Titles: 2 (2006, 2007)
2023: 1-1 in regionals
2022: 2-0 in regionals, 1-2 at state
2021: 2-0 in regionals, 0-2 at state
2019: 1-1 in regionals
2018: 0-2 in regionals
2017: 2-1 in districts, 2-0 in regionals, 1-1 at state
2016: 4-0 in districts, 2-0 at regionals, 2-1 at state
2015: 1-2 at districts
Stat leaders:
Kaylah Crosson: 61 total blocks. 183 kills
Aspen Garrison: 44 total blocks, 31 serving aces, 191 kills
Jacklyn Rogers: 14 total blocks
Ellegra Gutierrez: 35 serving aces, 369 digs, 206 kills, 381 receptions, 381 receptions,
Phoenix SanRoman: 33 serving aces, 300 digs, 405 assists
Isabella Chacon: 232 digs, 312 receptions
Mikenna Dasko: 229 assists
Cadence Doering: 19 assists, 366 receptions
Team Totals: 766 kills, 151 serving aces, 117 total blocks, 1786 digs, 704 assists, 1439 receptions
Game 4 @12:30
7. Rye
As the champions of region 7, Rye comes into the state tournament after beating Holyoke 3-1 and West Grand 3-0. The Thunderbolts are 21-4 overall on the season, 7-1 in league play and ended 2nd in the Santa Fe League. Rye faced Swink Hoehne and Sanford this season and lost to swink 0-3 and then beat them 3-0, Beat Hoehne 3-1 and 3-2, and beat Sanford 3-0. Rye is one of the schools to join the race in their first school volleyball title, and will kick off the battle against Vail Christian, where the winner will face Sedgwick County.
Playoff History:
2023: 2-0 in regionals, 1-2 at state
2022: 0-2 at regionals
2021: 2-0 in regionals, 3-2 at state
2019:1-1 in regionals
2017: 1-1 at regionals
2016: 0-2 at regionals
2015: 3-0 in districts, 2-0 in regionals, 0-2 at state
Stat Leaders:
Isabella Bond: 71 total blocks, 63 serving aces, 248 kills
Hayley Newitt: 42 total blocks,
Kelsey Stribling: 32 total blocks, 38 serving aces, 317 digs, 529 assists
Seine Roy: 38 serving aces, 350 digs, 91 assists, 318 receptions
Desiree Ruiz: 486 digs, 530 receptions
Olivia Donlon: 57 assists, 146 kills
Taylor Pye: 147 kills, 277 receptions
Team Totals: 784 kills, 257 serving aces, 76 total blocks, 1451 digs, 662 assists, 1253 receptions
10. Vail Christian
The Saints enter the state tournament with a 17-6 overall record, a 7-3 league record, 4th in the Western Slope League, and after beating Calhan 3-1 and Heritage Christian 3-0. Vail Christian has yet to face any of the other state tournament teams and will be looking to obtain their schools first volleyball state title. Their road starts with their game against Rye and the winner will move on to face Sedgwick County.
Playoff History:
2023: 1-1 in regionals
2022: 2-0 in regionals, 1-2 at state
2021: 1-1 at regionals
2020: 2-1 at state
2019: 0-2 at regionals
2017: 0-1 in districts
2016: 1-1 in districts
2015: 1-1 in districts
Stat Leaders:
Olivia Zajac: 38 total blocks
Betty Bartok: 19 total blocks, 69 serving aces, 246 assists, 112 kills
Mary McClarrinon: 19 total blocks,213 digs, 289 kills, 244 receptions
Jessie Allen: 59 serving aces, 53 assists, 506 digs, 543 receptions
Tenley Brasington: 45 serving aces, 350 assists,
Sam Bates: 207 digs, 197 receptions
Noelle Razee: 127 kills
Team Totals: 784 kills, 257 serving aces, 76 total blocks, 1451 digs, 662 assists, 1253 receptions
Round 2
Game 5 @2:00pm awaits winner of Game 1
1. Simla
Simla remains at the top of the back this season and comes into the state tournament after beating Ignacio and St. Mary’s 3-0. The Cubs are 24-1 this season, 7-0 in league play and are 1st in the Black Forest League. Simla has faced Wiggins twice, Hoehne, and Sedgwick County, and have wins over all three teams. Simla will be going for their third state title in volleyball, their last one being 28 years ago. Simla has a bye the first round and will play the winner of Del Norte Vs Haxtun.
Playoff History:
State Titles: 2 (1996, 1994)
2023: 1-0 at regioanls, 2-2 at state
2022: 2-0 at regionals, 3-2 at state
2021: 0-2 at regionals
2020:2-0 at regionals, 1-1 at state
2019:2-0 at regionals, 4-2 at state
2018: 1-1 at regionals
2017: 2-0 at regionals, 1-1 at state
2016: 3-1 at districts, 1-1 at regionals, 0-2 at state
2015: 2-2 at districts, 0-2 at regionals
Stat Leaders:
Katie Gotschall: 65 total blocks, 153 kills
Elle Leininger: 41 total blocks
Haylee Easler: 36 total blocks
Kylie Maranville: 55 serving aces, 224 digs, 226 kills, 221 receptions
Carlee Cox: 50 serving aces, 271 digs,15 assists, 308 kills, 228 receptions
Meadow Nusbaum: 45 serving aces, 803 assists
Ava Leininger: 226 digs, 27 assists, 312 receptions
Team Totals: 938 kills, 258 serving aces, 118 total blocks, 1122 digs, 882 assists, 931 receptions
Game 6 @3:30pm awaits winner of Game 2
4. Swink
Swink was able to get the wins over Loveland Classical 3-0 and Burlington 3-1 last week and was the winners of region 4. Swink is 21-4 on the season, 7-1 in league and 1st in the Santa Fe League. This season, opponents from the state tournament teams were Hoehne, Rye, and Sanford. Swink was able to beat Hohne, Rye and Sanford all 3-0 consecutively, but then lost to Hoehne 1-3 and Rye 0-3. Swink will be looking to take their second volleyball title in school history, the previous being in 2001. Swink will face the Winner of Colorado Springs Christian and Sanford.
Playoff History: Was not loading on Maxpreps due to site being down
State Titles: 1 (2001)
2023: 2-0 in regionals, 0-2 at state
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
Stat Leaders:
Taylor Mendenhall: 163 total blocks, 278 kills
Daisy Heberlie: 136 total blocks, 225 kills
Kashlynn Blasingame: 34 total blocks, 41 serving aces, 357 assists
Madelyn Bamber: 42 serving aces,
Briana McElroy: 32 serving aces, 159 digs, 453 assists
Larriana Taggart: 556 digs,19 assists, 421 receptions
Jocelynn James: 199 digs, 236 receptions
Emma Gacnik: 190 kills
Jaylee Nily: 268 receptions
Team Totals: 873 kills, 177 serving aces, 391 total blocks, 1613 digs, 836 assists, 1279 receptions
Game 7 @5:00pm awaits the winner of Game 3
3. Lyons
Lyons is the champion of region 3 after beating Front Range Christian and Buena Vista. The Lions are 22-3 overall, 12-1 in league and ended 2nd in the Mile High league. The Lions did not face any of the other state tournament teams yet this season. Lyons will be after their 5th state title for Volleyball, their last being in 2017. Lyons will face the winner of Wiggins and Hoehne in the second round.
Playoff History:
State Titles: 4 (1977, 1986, 1987,2017)
2023: 0-2 in regionals
2021: 0-2 in regionals
2018: 2-0 in regionals, 1-2 at state
2017: 3-0 in districts, 2-0 in regionals, 4-1 at state
2016: 3-1 in districts,1-1 at regionals, 1-1 at state
2015: 3-1 in districts,1-1 in regionals, 2-1 at state
Stat Leaders:
Michaela Coleman: 63 total blocks, 53 serving aces, 227 kills,
Kirby Neal: 30 total blocks,
Scarlet Voss: 20 total blocks, 47 serving aces, 591 assists
Audrey Voss: 55 serving aces, 211 digs, 171 kills, 271 receptions
Sienna Reed: 249 digs, 20 assists
Gen Newell: 200 digs, 297 receptions
Cameron Dumbauld: 126 assists
Annabelle Hay: 229 kills, 226 receptions
Team Totals: 858 kills, 270 serving aces, 98 total blocks 1159 digs, 799 assists, 1089 receptions
Game 8 @ 6:30pm awaits the winner of Game 4
2. Sedgwick County
Sedgwick County comes into the state tournament with a 21-4 overall record, a 7-1 league record, and 2nd in the Lower Platte league. The Cougars beat Telluride and Mancos both 3-0 last week this season have beaten Haxtun 3-0, Wiggins 3-2, Haxtun 3-1, and lost to Simla 1-3. Sedgwick County were the runner ups last year and will be looking to take that title from Wiggins this year. Wit would be the schools’ 3rd volleyball title, the previous one coming in 2022. The Cougars will face the winner of Rye and Vail Christian.
Playoff History:
State Titles: 2 (2022, 2021)
2023: 2-0 in regionals 4-2 at State
2022: 2-0 in regionals, 4-0 at State
2021:2-0 in regionals, 4-0 at State
2020:2-0 in regionals 2-1 at State
2019:1-1 in regionals
2018: 0-2 in regionals
2017: 0-2 in regionals
2016: 0-1 in regionals
2015: 0-2 in regionals
Stat Leaders:
Abigail Dille: 63 total blocks, 267 digs, 256 kills, 403 receptions,
Keyana Ehnes: 43 total blocks, 48 serving aces, 239 kills, 393 receptions
Piper Buettenback: 27 total blocks, 77 assists
Ryen Carlson: 42 serving aces, 290 digs, 531 assists
Lainee Nein: 26 serving aces, 314 digs, 262 assists, 250 kills, 192 receptions.
Team Totals: 1016 kills, 193 serving aces, 120 total blocks, 1576 digs, 951 assists, 1309 receptions
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