A year ago, they had that empty feeling of what might have been, then had to live it.
A day ago, they erased all bad memories.
Riding a team effort in which virtually every player who suited up made multiple, significant contributions, Eaglecrest downed neighboring Grandview to win the Class 5A state volleyball tournament Saturday night with – what else? – a long, drawn-out match.
The Raptors, in capping a 31-0 season, outlasted the two-time defending state champion Wolves 25-18, 26-28, 25-21, 23-25, 15-12 in winning their first volleyball title and second girls championship.
“It’s just amazing, that’s all I can say, it’s amazing,” Eaglecrest junior Courtney Karst said. “We worked so hard for this.”
And it took so long – the Raptors downed the Wolves in the 2005 regular season, then fell to them in the semifinals. Thus began the long year of waiting.
However, it was worth it as Eaglecrest beat the Wolves, who were playing in their fourth consecutive title game, three times before Saturday and in a variety of ways – in nonleague, league and districts.
None of the first three would have mattered if they fell in the state final.
“It played a big role,” Karst said. “We were sick and tired of Grandview saying ‘We’re back-to-back state champions and we’re going to beat you at state.’ It just played a big part.”
So did Karst, The Denver Post MVP of the tournament. The middle blocker came alive in the closing points of each of the five games, helping to offset a spirited effort by the Wolves, who battled injury down the stretch of the season.
For Eaglecrest, sophomore Jordan Kissman and seniors Briana Steger, Sheila Olaechea and Courtnee Pedone led the way, as did junior Darcy Swartzman.
“We are a team, the best team, and that’s why we won,” Eaglecrest’s Tanya Bond said. “I mean, they know each other out there and work hard. Everybody’s pretty balanced.”
Eaglecrest cruised in the first game, then had to deal with a series of late rallies by the Wolves.
A mis-hit in the middle gave Grandview the second game in extended play, but the Raptors finished strong in the third with Karst leading a four-point swing after being tied at 21. She capped the pivotal game with a dink in the middle.
In the fourth, Grandview, behind Lindsey Licht (who capped a superlative career), Karina Garlington and Lauren VanOrden, took over after trailing 19-15. They squeaked out a 25-23 victory, but, as was the case all evening, quickly fell behind 5-1 in the finale.
Despite serving and blocking issues, the Wolves got within 13-12 as Licht and Garlington sent a few rockets across the net, but Karst led a block party to complete the final points.
Grandview was without Katie Mills, who was injured at the outset of the postseason, and flier Sara Nehf turned her right ankle earlier in the day.
But there were no excuses from the Wolves.
“I told them not to hang their heads,” coach Patty Childress said. “They are fighters and did a good job.
“And Eaglecrest is awesome. They all work well together.”
“We absolutely knew we could do this,” Bond said. “Since we lost here last year, we had been talking about a state championship.”
And now, there’s no more talk needed.
It’s fact.
All-tourney team
Karina Garlington, Grandview, sr.
Kristy Jaeckel, Heritage, sr.
Courtney Karst, Eaglecrest, jr.
Jordan Kissman, Eaglecrest, so.
Lindsey Licht, Grandview, sr.
Courtnee Pedone, Eaglecrest, sr.
MVP: Karst
