Class 3A Volleyball Preview for August 18-August 22
The 3A Volleyball season is officially underway with plenty of games taking place today and throughout the weekend. Here, we’ll take a look at the 3A teams who will be playing this weekend, preview the matchup, compare them to the 2025 season, and see who may start the 2026 season with a few wins.
Eaton Vs Highland
Eaton was supposed to begin the 2026 season on Tuesday at home, taking on the Highland Huskies. No score has been reported and it is possible it was not played. Last season, the Reds ended 25-4 overall, 12-0 in league and 1st in the Patriot league. This season, Eaton will be looking to continue their success.
Sterling Vs Yuma
The Tigers’ opening game will be on 8/20 on the road to take on the Yuma Outlaws. Last season, Sterling got the win over Yuma 3-0, ending the game with 38 kills, 5 total blocks, 9 serving aces, 58 digs and 37 assists, the leaders of the game being returning players Kenzi Rubottom, Karsyn Tonche and Rylie Kaiser. Sterling will have a mix Colorado and Nebraska opponents this season and will be looking forward to their first league game of the season which will take place on 8/22 against Valley.
Elizabeth Vs Discovery Canyon
The first game of the season for Elizabeth will be on 8/20 at home against Discovery Canyon. Last season when these two teams faced off, Discovery Canyon got the win 3-2. Despite the loss, the Cardinals but up a tough battle, ending the game with 35 kills, 11 total blocks, 9 serving aces, 67 digs and 30 assists, returning players Hailey Mannick and Halli Connelley leading that game. Elizabeth will be looking for their revenge this season and will fight for the 1-0 start to their season. This would be a strong start for the Cardinals as they start the 2026 season and look to league play that starts for them on 9/15 against TCA.
Forge Christian Vs Lyons
The Fury’s first game will be on 8/20 on the road against Lyons. This was the teams’ first matchup last season as well, which resulted in a loss for Forge Christian 1-3. The Fury ended the game with 25 kills, 2 blocks, 11 aces, 41 digs, 34 assists and was led by returning players Maddie Saba and Addison Davis. The team will be looking to start the season off strong and get a win to start the season. League play will not start for the team until 9/24 when the team travels to Stargate School.
The Classical Academy Vs Palmer Ridge
TCA will host their season opener on 8/20 against Palmer Ridge. Last season when these team met but, the Titans got the win 3-0 over the Bears and ended the game with 43 kills, 4 blocks, 17 aces, 20 digs and 40 assists. This game was led by returning players Addy Macha and Ashlyn Delaney. The team will be looking for this game to get them started on the right foot for the season at 1-0.
Alamosa Vs Montrose
Alamosa kicks off their 2026 season on 8/20 on the road against Montrose. These teams did not cross paths last season, but the Mean Moose ended their 2025 season 27-2, 8-0 in league and 1st in the Intermountain league and Montrose ended 24-4 overall, 9-1 in league play and 1st in the Southwestern league. This game will be a good starting match-up for both teams to see the battle each team outs forward.
Englewood Vs Aurora Central
The Pirates host Aurora Central for their season opener on 8/20. These two teams did not meet up last season but Englewood finished the last season 5-17 overall, 2-6 in league and 9th in the Frontier league while Aurora Central ended 2-18 overall, 1-7 in league and 5th in the Colorado league. This first match-up will be good to see if there is improvement in the teams from last season and get them ready for the upcoming season.
The Pinnacle Vs Wheat Ridge – Vs Loveland Classical, Highland, Heritage Christian
The Timberwolves are starting their season off with a busy week, starting with a game against Wheat Ridge at home on 8/20. Last season when these two teams met up, Wheat Ridge got the win over The Pinnacle 3-1. This season, The Pinnacle will be looking to get revenge and take the win away to get their season started 1-0. Following that game on 8/22, the Timberwolves will play in tournament play, first facing Loveland Classical followed by Highland and Heritage Christian. Last season, The Pinnacle and Loveland Classical did not meet, but the Timberwolves saw the other two teams. Last year Highland and Heritage Christian beat The Pinnacle 2-0. This season, the Timberwolves will be looking to walk out of the weekend with a 4-0 start to their season.
Strasburg Vs Prospect Ridge Academy
Strasburg and Prospect Ridge both start their season off by facing one another at Prospect Ridge Academy on 8/20. These teams did not face off last season, so this will be newer competition for the teams. Last Season, Strasburg went 6-17 overall, 2-10 in league and ended 11th in the Patriot league while Prospect Ridge went 18-7 overall, 6-4 in league and ended 5th in the Metro League. Both teams will battle out to see who gets to start the season 1-0 in this 3A matchup.
Resurrection Christian Vs Colorado Academy
The Cougars and the Mustangs will kick off their season facing off at Colorado Academy on 8/20. These teams have not crossed paths in the last year, so both teams will be looking to see who will be victorious in this 3A matchup to start the 2026 season. Last year, Resurrection Christian was 26-4 overall, 11-1 in league play and ended 2nd in the Patriot league while Colorado Academy was 13-10 overall, 7-3 in league play and 3rd in the Matro league.
Arrupe Jesuit Vs. St. Mary’s Academy
Arrupe Jesuit and St. Mary’s Academy will start off their season in a 3A matchup against one another at Arrupe Jesuit on 8/20. Last season, these two teams met up later in the season, with the Generals falling to the Wildcats 0-3. This year the Generals will be looking to take the win from the Wildcats, while St. Mary’s Academy is looking to remain on top and start their season off 1-0.
Jefferson Academy Vs Standley Lake
Jefferson Academy’s first game of 2026 will beat home on 8/20 against Standley Lake. Last season, these two teams met up which resulted in a 0-3 loss for Jefferson Academy. The Jaguars ended that game with 23 kills, 3 blocks, 3 serving aces, 33 digs, and 23 assists and was led by returning player Georgia Miller. This season, Jefferson Academy will be looking to get the win from Standley Lake and start their season off 1-0.
Salida Vs Center
The Spartans will be hosting their first game of the 2026 season on 8/20 against the Center Vikings. This is a repeat of last season where Center was the home opener for the team then, which was a 3-0 win for Salida. That game, the Spartans were able to get 31 kills, 5 blocks, 12 aces, 39 digs, and 25 assists and was led by returning player Kali Keast. This year, Salida will be looking to repeat the first game success of 2025.
Peak to Peak Vs Holy Family
This 3A matchup will be the first game for both teams and will be a new matchup for both teams. Last season Peak to Peak went 14-11 overall, 5-5 in league play and ended 6th in the Metro league. Holy Family went 8-17 overall, 5-8 in league play and ended 9th in the Granite Peaks league. Both teams will be playing to start their season off with a 1-0 record. The game will take place on 8/20 at Holy family.
Berthoud Vs Poudre
Berthoud kicks off their season hosting Poudre on 8/20. These teams did not meet up during the 2025 season, so the competition will be newer for both teams. Last season, Berthoud ended the year 25-3 overall, 15-1 in league play, and 1st in the Longs Peak league. Poudre ended their season 12-11 overall, 5-7 in league play and 5th in the Northern League. Both teams will be looking to start their season off with a 1-0 record.
D’Evelyn Vs Denver East
The Jaguars open 2026 with a home game against Denver East on 8/20. This is another matchup that did not occur during the 2025 season and will be less familiar for both teams. Last year, D’Evelyn went 10-13 overall on the season with a 5-5 league record and ended 4th in the Jeffco league. Denver East also went 10-13 overall but had a 4-2 league record and finished 3rd in the City League. The Jaguars will be looking to get the win and start their 2026 season off with a win and a 1-0 record start.
University Vs Rampart
University begins their season hosting Rampart on 8/20. These teams did not play one another in the 2025 season, and both teams will be looking to start their 2026 season off with a 1-0 record. The Bulldogs ended their 2025 season with a 24-5 overall record, a 10-2 league record and 3rd in the Patriot league while Rampart ended 15-4 overall, 12-0 in league play and 1st in the CSML league. This will be a good battle between two strong teams and a well deserved 1-0 start.
Kennedy Vs Gateway
Kennedy kicks off their season on the road to Gateway which is the same team they hosted to start last season. Last year, tis game started Kennedy off with a 1-0 start after a 3-1 win, which is the outcome the Commanders will be looking to repeat. In 2025, this game was led in part by Alondra Gomez who is returning for the 2026 season.
James Irwin Vs Thomas MacLaren School
James Irwin’s first game of the season will be on the road against Thomas MacLaren School. These teams did not matchup last season, being a different opponent for the teams than usual. Last season James Irwin went 3-19 on the season with a 2-10 league record and ended 11th in the Tri-Peaks league. Thomas MacLaren ended 2025 with a 14-10 overall record, a 3-2 league record and 3rd in the Black Forest league. This matchup will be a good start for James Irwin to see if they are making improvement for the 2026 season.
Montezuma-Cortez Vs Durango, Monticello
The Panthers are starting their 2026 season with back to back game days. First on 8/20, the team will host Durango who they did not play in 2025 and went 9-14 overall on the season, 6-4 in league play and ended 3rd in the Southwestern League. Montezuma-Cortez ended last season 11-14 overall, 2-6 in league and 4th in the intermountain league. Both teams will be looking to get a 1-0 start to the season. Then on 8/21, Montezuma-Cortez will host Monticello in both teams 2nd game of 2026. These two teams did meet up last season, resulting in a 3-0 win for the Panthers. The team ended that game with 36 kills, 1 block, 13 aces, 59 digs, and 34 assists. The Panthers will be looking to get win in both of these games and end the week 2-0.
Bruce Randolph Vs George Washington
Bruce Randolph starts their season hosting George Washington. This matchup did not occur in 2025. Last season, the Grizzlies went 12-7 overall on the season, 5-4 in league and finished 5th in the 1A/3A City league. The George Washington Patriots ended 2025 11-12 overall, 4-2 in league play and 3rd in the 4A City league. Both teams will be looking for a 1-0 start to their 2026 season and will be a good matchup to start the season.
Platte Valley Vs Greeley Central
To join the other games that are happening on 8/20, Platte Valley will travel to Greeley Central to take on the Wildcats. These two teams did not play last season and will be a good test to start the season and see who can start their season 1-0. Last season, the Broncos ended 13-12 overall, 8-4 in league, and 5th in the Patriot league while the Wildcats ended 4-19 overall, 2-14 in league play, and finished 9th in the Longs Peak league.
The Village Vs. Pueblo County
In their third season, The Village will start their 2026 season off at home against Pueblo County on 8/20. These two teams have never met, and it will be a new matchup. Last season, the Mountaineers finished 2025 20-9 overall while the Hornets finished 19-6 overall, 7-1 in league play and 1st in the South-Central league.
Woodland Park Vs Coronado
Woodland Park Kicks off their 2026 season at home against Corondo on 8/20. Last season when these two teams met, the Panthers beat the Cougars 3-2m which Woodland Park will be looking to repeat this season. That game resulted in 55 kills, 5 blocks, 11 aces, 77 digs and 47 assists for Woodland Park, and was led by Brandi McCorkell, Clara Levingston, and Jazmine Slocum.
Gunnison Vs North Fork
The Gunnison Cowboys are starting their season with on 8/20 against the North Fork Miners. Last season when these teams met up, Gunnison got the 3-0 win over North Fork and ended the game with 40 kills, 7 blocks, 10 aces, 60 digs, and 34 assists. The team will be looking to repeat that success to start their season off 1-0.
Roaring Fork Vs Mullen
The Rams are kicking off their season on the road to take on Mullen on 8/21. Roaring Fork did not take on Mullen last year so this will be a new matchup for the team where they will be looking for the 1-0 start to their season. Last season, Roaring Fork ended 9-13 overall, 5-5 in league play and 6th in the Western Slope league. Mullen ended their season 19-8 overall, 8-2 in league and 1st in the Centennial league.
Coal Ridge Vs Pagosa Springs Vs Glenwood Springs and Meeker
Coal Ridge, Pagosa Springs, Glenwood Springs and Meeker all square up this weekend in a four-team matchup starting on 8/21. The first game that will take place is a 3A matchup between Coal Ridge and Pagosa Springs. Last Season when this game occurred, Pagosa was able to pull out a very close 2-1 win over Coal Ridge. The Pirates ended that game with 21 kills, 5 blocks, 4 aces, 34 digs and 16 assists, while the Titans were right behind them with 16 kills, 1 block, 9 aces, 12 digs and 15 assists. The winner of this game will start off their 2026 season with a 1-0 start.
The next game that will happen on 8/21 will be Coal Ridge Vs Glenwood Springs. Last season when these teams met up, the Titans fell in a 0-2 loss and ended the game with 9 kills, 3 blocks, 5 aces, 42 digs and 8 assists. The Titans will be looking to flip the script and get a win added to their record after this game.
Pagosa Springs will then wrap up the night playing Meeker. In 2025, Pagosa lost to Meeker 0-2 but was able to 11 kills, 1 ace, 26 digs and 11 assists during the game. After this matchup, the Pirates will be hoping for a 2-0 record to end the day.
To end the week, Coal Ridge will face Meeker on 8/22. The Titans were victorious in this game last season and will be looking to repeat the outcome this year. During that game in 2025, Coal Ridge ended the game with 23 kills, 3 blocks, 8 aces, 46 digs and 19 assists.
Pagosa Springs will end their week facing Glenwood Springs on 8/22. In 2025, this game was a 0-2 loss for the Pirates, which they will be looking for that to not be the case this season. In that game last season, Pagosa ended with 4 kills, 3 blocks, 2 aces, 21 digs and 2 assists.
Bayfield Vs. Palisade, Battle Mountain
The Wolverines will start their season off with two game days in a row on 8/21 and 8/22. Their first game will be on the road against Palisade and the following day, the team will travel to Battle Mountain. Bayfield has not faced either opponent in the last year and will be looking to see how they stack up against the newer competition. Last season, Bayfield ended their season with a 19-9 overall record, a 6-2 league record, and 2nd in the Intermountain league. Palisade wrapped up their 2025 with an 11-14 overall record, a 5-5 league record, and 4th in the Southwestern League. Battle Mountain ended their 2025 24-5 overall, 11-1 in league play and 2nd in the Western Slope League. The Wolverines will be looking to beat both of these teams and start their 2026 record 2-0.
Liberty Common Vs Wiggins, McClave
Liberty Common will be looking to start their 2026 season 2-0 after taking on Wiggins and McClave on 8/22. Last season, Wiggins took the win away from the Eagles 2-0. This will be the first game for the team and Liberty Common will be looking to take a win back from the Tigers. They will then take on the McClave Cardinals who they did not play last season, but who went 25-3 overall, 5-0 in league and ended 1st in the High Plains league while the Eagles went 2-20 overall, 1-10 in league and ended 12th in the Patriot league. Liberty Common will be looking to have more success this season and will be hoping for a 2-0 start after this week.
Frontier Academy Vs Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Estes Park
The Frontier Academy Wolverines will start their season off with back-to-back games on 8/22, starting with Rocky Mountain Lutheran. The team has not faced either of these opponents in the last year and will be looking to get wins over both teams to start 2026 off with a 2-0 record. Last year, the Wolverines ended their 2025 season 4-18 overall, 0-12 in league, and finished 13th in the Patriot league. The Rocky Mountain Lutheran Eagles finished their season 11-12 overall, 7-5 in league play and 4th in the 5280 league while Estes Park wrapped up 2025 12-13 overall, 6-6 in league play and 6th in the Mile High League.
DSST: Conservatory Green vs DSST: Cedar, Arma Dei Academy, Front Range Christian
The Green Hornets will start their season with 3 games in one day on 8/22. Their first game will be against DSST: Cedar, followed by Arma Dei Academy and then Front Range Christian. The only familiar matchup is DSST: Conservatory Green and DSST: Cedar, where last season, the Hornets were able to get a 3-0 win with 19 kills, 3 blocks, 16 aces and 59 digs. Last season the team ended 11-14 overall, 9-0 in league and finished 1st in the 3A City league. The Hornets second opponent of the week is in their first full season and will be new competition for the Hornets. The Front Range Christian Falcons ended their 2025 season 8-14 overall, 5-7 in league and 8th in the Mile High League. The Hornets will be looking to see if they can start 2026 off with a 3-0 start.
Lamar Vs Centauri
The Thunder will start their 2026 season off on the road to take on the Centauri Falcons. This is a repeat of the first game of the year in 2025, but Lamar will be looking for a different outcome since Centauri beat them last season 3-0. During that game, Lamar was able to get 20 kills, 6 blocks, 3 aces, 52 digs and 18 assists and was led by returning player Abygail Gonzales. The Thunder will be looking to have a different outcome than last season and start 2026 off 1-0.
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