Aurora – Colorado Springs Christian suffered a single defeat last year, losing its season opener to Smoky Hill before rolling to the Class 3A volleyball title. The Lions’ 2005 record will not feature the same blemish.
The defending champions made quick work of the Buffaloes this time, handing their hosts a three-game sweep Saturday in the opener for both teams. The Lions hammered away with overpowering serves and a balanced offense, downing the Buffs 25-10, 25-20, 25-8 in the nonleague contest.
“We really work on our serves,” said 5-foot-11 junior Lauren Rosenthal, who finished off Smoky Hill with two aces. The Lions, who do a little dance to celebrate each service winner, were nearly as busy dancing as playing in the match’s final game, when six of their serves went unreturned.
Smoky Hill appeared tentative early in the match, and Christian’s Amy Whitlow took advantage. With Whitlow serving, the Lions ran off six straight points to coast to victory in the first game.
The Buffaloes awoke in the second game, however, thanks largely to the inspired play of Lauren Fensten.
The 5-11 senior had three impressive digs that helped keep Smoky Hill close, and Christian was inconsistent with seven service errors. But a kill from the Lions’ Lisa Meeter sealed the second game, and Smoky Hill couldn’t keep pace with the efficient Lions in the final match.
Meeter led the Lions with seven kills.
Fensten paced Smoky Hill with eight unreturned shots.
“We came out a little flat, a little nervous, playing against one of the best teams in the state,” Smoky Hill coach Katie Hagen said. “They have a great service rotation.”
Another big difference was the size of the two teams’ rosters: While Smoky Hill lists 14 players on its varsity squad, Christian’s team is comprised of just eight players. The Lions won the title last year with just eight members, and Rosenthal said this year’s club may be more talented.
“Individually, this team has better athletes than last year,” she said. “We just have to come together as a team.”
