MileHigh Prep Report

Class 3A Volleyball State Tournament Team Capsules

By Tayler Garcia

Class 3A state volleyball tournament action gets underway on Thursday November 12th at the Denver Coliseum. Twelve teams are in the running for the state championship, including the top overall seed University, last year’s 4A State Champion. The top four seeds will receive a first round bye.

1. University Bulldogs

No. 1 seed

23–2 overall
7–0 in league play

1st in the Patriots Peak League

Tournament teams played and beat: Forge Christian 3-2

Tournament teams played and Lost: The Village 2-3

Previous State Titles: 2025, 2021

University enters the state tournament as the top seed after putting together an impressive 23–2 season. Their combination of offensive production and consistent play has helped establish them as one of the favorites heading into the state tournament. With a first-round bye, University will have an opportunity to prepare for the winner of Eaton and Berthoud as it begins its championship pursuit.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Kaydence Lucero 64, Kenley Rudiger 45, Grace Elbe 43
• Aces: Kenley Rudiger 56, Elle Nevarez 43, Livianna Aguilar 338
• Digs: Livianna Aguilar 338, Kenley Rudiger 187, Delaney Lauer 182
• Assists: Kenley Rudiger 877, Holly Jennings 78, Livianna Aguilar 65
• Kills: Delaney Lauer 372, Carigen Lucero 229, Kaydence Lucero 148
• Receptions: Livian Aguilar 274, Delaney Lauer 225, Shylee Dyess 149

2. Resurrection Christian Cougars

No. 2 seed

21–4 overall
6–1 in league play

2nd in the Patriots Peak League

Tournament teams played and beat: Forge Christian 3-0, Sterling 3-0, Eaton 3-1, The Village 3–1, Berthoud 3-1, TCA 3-0

Tournament teams played and lost: University 2-3

Previous State Titles: 2023, 2014, 2013

Resurrection Christian returns to the state tournament as the No. 2 seed after another strong season. Resurrection Christian has plenty of postseason experience, including its 2023 state championship. The Cougars have demonstrated their ability to compete against quality competition and will look to use that experience as they pursue another championship.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Tatum Highstreet 80, Corinne Soukup 77, Brooklyn Diepersloot 46
• Aces: Paige Michaelson 58, Corinne Soukup 42, Kylee Mayes 43
• Digs: Jada Mardhagen 276, Kylee Mayes 263, Paige Michaelson 208
• Assists: Kylee Mayes 835, Jada Nordhagen 63, Bradee Seely 17
• Kills: Paige Michaelson 360, Sadie Whyard 177, Brooklyn Diepersloot 161
• Receptions: Jada Nordhagen 379, Paige Michaelson 235, Bradee Seely 182

3. Holy Family Tigers

No. 3 seed

22–3 overall
12–2 in league play

1st in the Granite Peaks League

Tournament teams played and beat: Forge Christian 3–1, Alamosa 2-0,

Tournament teams played and lost:

Previous State Titles: None

Holy Family enters the state tournament as the No. 3 seed after an outstanding 22–3 regular season. The Tigers captured the Granite Peaks League championship with a 12–2 league record and have consistently shown their ability to compete against strong competition. With a balanced lineup and several players contributing offensively, Holy Family has put itself in a position to make a deep postseason run. The Tigers will receive a first-round bye and look to carry their regular-season momentum into the championship bracket.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Jes Hoffman 33, Mary Siukek 28, Jordyn Fox 21
• Aces: Jordayn Fox 60, Taylor Hillegass 56, Jes Hoffman 38
• Digs: Caroline Staff 289, Jordyn Fox 246, Taylor Hillegrass 212
• Assists: Taylor Hillegass 664, Caroline Staff 38, Kate Fisher 24
• Kills: Jordayn Fox 300, Charlotte Fisher 160, Jes Hoffman 125
• Receptions: Caroline Staff 345, Jordyn Fox 288, Reet Sandhu 230

4. The Classical Academy Titans

No. 4 seed

19–6 overall
8–1 in league play

2nd in the Continental League

Tournament teams played and beat: The Village 3-0

Tournament teams played and lost: Forge Christian 1-3, University 2-3, Resurrection Christian 0-3

Previous State Titles: None

The Classical Academy enters the state tournament with a 19–6 record and the No. 4 seed. The Titans finished second in the Continental League with an 8–1 record and have been one of the more competitive teams in the classification throughout the season. With a first-round bye, The Classical Academy will have an opportunity to prepare for its next opponent and make a push toward the final four.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Aubrie Renn 59, Ashlyn Delaney 37, Braelyn Renn 26
• Aces: Aubrie Renn 61, Ashlyn Delaney 53, Claire Campos 37
• Digs: Caylee Somersalmi 302, Ashlyn Delaney 186, Sydney Corr 130
• Assists: Sydney Corr 468, Claire Gilbert 312, Caylee Somersalmi 36
• Kills: Ashlyn Delaney 416,  Aubrie Renn 184, CJ Connelly 90
• Receptions Caylee Somersolmi 449, Ashlyn Delaney 352, Elle Gustfson 188

5. Sterling Tigers

No. 5 seed

20–5 overall
7–1 in league play

2nd in the Patriot Plains League

Tournament teams played and beat: Berthoud 3-1, Platte Valley 3-2

Tournament teams played and lost: Eaton 2-3, Resurrection Christian 0-3m University 3-0

Previous State Titles: 2019, 2005

Sterling enters the state tournament as the No. 5 seed after putting together a 20–5 season. The Tigers finished second in the Patriot Plains League with a 7–1 record and enter the postseason playing some of their best volleyball of the year. With a nine-match winning streak entering the state tournament, the Tigers will look to keep that momentum going against The Village in the opening round.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Karsyn Tonche 37, Bailey Jackson 29, Rylie Kaiser 25
• Aces: Karsyn Tonche 47, Kenzie Rubottom 47, Addison Koester 34
• Digs: Kenzi Rubottom 441, Karsyn Tonche 361, Elliana Pelton 241
• Assists: Berkley Gardiner 652, Sydney Baseggio 99, Karsyn Tonche 39
• Kills: Karsyn Tonche 461, Kenzi Rubottom 273, Bailey Jackson 96
• Receptions, Karsynn Tonche 355, Kenzie Rubottom 355, Bailey Ferguson 300

6. Forge Christian Fury

No. 6 seed

19–6 overall
9–1 in league play

2nd in the Metro League

Tournament teams played and beat:  TCA 3-1, Platte Valley 3-1

Tournament teams played and lost: Resurrection Christian 0-3, University 0-3, Holy Family 1-3

Previous State Titles: 1995

Forge Christian enters the state tournament as the No. 6 seed after finishing the regular season with a 19–6 record. The Fury finished second in the Metro League with a 9–1 league record and have built plenty of momentum heading into the postseason. Forge Christian has been particularly strong offensively. The Fury will face Aspen in the opening round, with a chance to advance and take on No. 3 Holy Family.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Maddie Saba 43, Colbee White 19, Josie Arp 18
• Aces: Colbee White 44, Finley Queen 43, Addison Davis 29
• Digs: Addison Davis 193, Finley Queen 183, Bella Tiner 175
• Assists: Colbee White 583, Bella Tiner 18, Grayson Taylor 12
• Kills: Addison Davis 300, Finley Queen 144, Maddie Saba 132
• Receptions: Bella Tiner 496, Addison Davis 346, Genevieve Leonardi 242

7. Alamosa Mean Moose

No. 7 seed

20–5 overall
8–0 in league play

1st in the Intermountain League

Tournament teams played and beat: Platte Valley 3–1, The Village 3-0

Tournament teams played and lost: Holy Family 0-2

Previous State Titles: 1996

Alamosa returns to the state tournament as the No. 7 seed after another impressive season. The Mean Moose finished 20–5 overall and went undefeated in Intermountain League play at 8–0, earning the league championship. Alamosa has been especially strong defensively. The Mean Moose have shown they can compete with teams from across the state and will open tournament play against Platte Valley.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Alex Pacheco 25, Ashlyn Rice 20, Brooklyn Schrader 19
• Aces: Addison Rice 61, Ashlyn Rice 53, Kamryn Moeller 42
• Digs: Addison Rice 458, Leela Gutierrez 294, Egypt Holman 252
• Assists: Ashlyn Rice 716, Addison Rice 60, Leela Gutierrez 26
• Kills: Brynley Brown 268, Brooklyn Schrader 190, Leela Gutierrez 140
• Receptions: Addison Rice 527, Leela Gutierrez 402, Brynley Brown 243

8. Eaton Reds

No. 8 seed

17–8 overall
4–3 in league play

4th in the Patriots Peak League

Tournament teams played and beat: Sterling 3-2, Aspen 3-0

Tournament teams played and lost: Resurrection Christian 1-3, Berthoud 3-2, University 3-0

Previous State Titles: 2025, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2000, 1997, 1993

Eaton enters the state tournament as the No. 8 seed after finishing the regular season with a 17–8 record. The Reds have a long history of success in Class 3A, including capturing their 11th state championship in 2025. While this year’s team enters with a different group of players, the program’s championship experience is something that cannot be overlooked. Eaton will open the tournament against Berthoud, looking to begin another postseason run.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Ashby Breinig 26, Cecilia Reynolds 23, Elianna Baessler 22,
• Aces: Skyelyn Lefever 57 Mia Martinez 46, Katie St. Jean 39
• Digs: Katie St. Jean 377, Mia Martinez 228, Anika Pearson 197
• Assists: Skyelyn Lefever 593, Katie St.Jean 76, Aspen Lane 59
• Kille: Anika Pearson 324, Maylea Maske 140, Skyelyn Lefever 122
• Receptions: Katie St. Jean 479, Mia Martinez 284, Anika Pearson 273

9. Berthoud Spartans

No. 9 seed

19–6 overall
4–2 in league play

3rd in the Patriots Peak League

Tournament teams played and beat: Eaton 3-2

Tournament teams played and lost: Sterling 1-3, Resurrection Christian 1-3, University 0-3

Previous State Titles: 2000

Berthoud enters the state tournament as the No. 9 seed after putting together a 19–6 season. The Spartans finished third in the Patriots Peak League with a 4–2 record and have shown they can compete with quality opponents throughout the season. Berthoud will open the tournament against Eaton, with the winner advancing to face top-seeded University.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Addison Jones 85, Lucy Kirklin 35, Libby Wilson 30
• Aces: Avery Tychsen 45, Libby Wilson 45, Addison Jones 42
• Digs: Sasha Carter 249, Libby Wilson 183, Whitney Barmes 130
• Assists: Libby Wilson 830, Sasha Carter 31, Avery Tychsen 26
• Kills: Avery Tychsen 232, Addison Jones 227, Sasha Carter 178
• Receptions: Sasha Carter 330, Caroline Mahoney 234, Ameila Major 231

10. Platte Valley Broncos

No. 10 seed

18–7 overall
5–2 in league play

3rd in the Patriot Plains League

Tournament teams played and beat:

Tournament teams played and lost: Alamosa 1-3, Resurrection Christian 1-3, Forge Christian 1-3, University 1-3, Sterling  2-3

Previous State Titles: 2022, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1998, 1994, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1984, 1981, 1978, 1977, 1976

Platte Valley enters the state tournament as the No. 10 seed after finishing the season with an 18–7 record. The Broncos finished third in the Patriot Plains League with a 5–2 league record and have put together a competitive season against a challenging schedule. Platte Valley will face Alamosa in the opening round, a matchup between two teams familiar with one another.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Bryla Bunting 53, Kennedi Nelson 51, Paisley Nelson 26
• Aces: Madi Hunt 73, Taela Huerta 59, Clara Ochsner 51
• Delaney Uyemura 329, Clara Ochsner 225, Madi Hunt 224
• Assists: Clara Ochsner 875, Delaney Uyemura 29, Talea Huerta 4
• Kills: Paisley Nelson 212, Talea Huerta 195, Kennedi Nelson 194
• Receptions: Delaney Uyemura 485, Madi Hunt 369, Emery Martinez 172

11. Aspen Skiers

No. 11 seed

22–2 overall
14–0 in league play

1st in the Western Slope League

Tournament teams played and beat:

Tournament teams played and lost: Eaton 0-3

Previous State Titles: None

Aspen enters the state tournament with one of the strongest records in Class 3A at 22–2 overall. The Skiers went undefeated in Western Slope League play, finishing 14–0 to claim the league championship. Despite being the No. 11 seed, Aspen’s overall record demonstrates that this is a team capable of making noise in the state tournament. The Skiers will face Forge Christian in the opening round, with the winner advancing to meet No. 3 Holy Family.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Hannah Lee 20, Andrea Lee 17, Suki Manuel 16
• Aces Belle Sinclair 58, Ava Braley 37, Autumn Sherin 32
• Digs Elena Creamer 260, Autumn Sherwin 138, Ava Braley 128
• Assists: Ava Braley 249, Belle Sinclair 190, Hannah Lee 153
• Kills: Mary Morse 157, Andrea Lee 141, Suki Manuel 105
• Receptions: Elena Creamer 392, Autumn Sherwin 226, Mary Morse 155

12. The Village Mountaineers

No. 12 seed

14–11 overall

Tournament teams played and beat: University 3-2

Tournament teams played and lost: TCA 0-3, Alamosa 0-3, Forge Christian 2-3, Resurrection Christian 1-3

Previous State Titles: 2024

The Village enters the state tournament as the No. 12 seed after earning its place in the final 12. The Mountaineers finished the season with a 14–11 record and will look to build on the program’s recent success at the state level. The Village captured the Class 3A state championship in 2024, giving the program valuable experience on the championship stage. The Mountaineers will face Sterling in the opening round, looking to pull off an upset and keep their championship hopes alive.

Stat leaders:

• Blocks: Ella Dorelus-Weems 44, Alyssa Simoons 43, Norah Hollus 37
• Aces: Mary Estares 41, Norah Hollis 37, Emerson Lavine 35
• Digs: Mary Estares 176, Norah Hollis 163, Emerson Lavine 161
• Assists: Cecilia Pederson 658, Emerson Lavine 127, Mary Estares 14
• Kills: Norah Hollis 305, Mary Estares 277, Ella Dorelus-Weems 129
• Receptions: Norah Hollis 406, Mary Estares 394, Emerson Lavine 187