Just about everything in the Class 3A state volleyball tournament is upside down. And looks just peachy for Faith Christian and Eaton.
Seeded No. 6 and 7, respectively, in the eight-team tournament, the Eagles and Fightin’ Reds both went 2-0 and rolled like tidal waves Friday through Pool II.
“I think we have more heart and I think we come out and play with passion,” Faith Christian middle blocker Bre McBeth said. “If you don’t have that, you’re not going to go very far. We love each other. I love my girls more than anything.”
The five classification tournament will conclude tonight at 7 p.m. with simultaneous finals.
The Eagles (26-1), behind Jamie Pickett and McBeth, and the Fightin’ Reds (19-8) both roughed up No. 2 Platte Valley (24-3) and No. 3 The Classical Academy (22-5) at the Denver Coliseum and will play this morning for seeding in the semifinals.
3A’s top-seeded Colorado Springs Christian (25-2) went unscathed but No. 4 Holy Family (20-7) never won a game in two matches against Valley and University as the four regional champions in 3A went a combined 2-6.
Eighth-seeded Montrose, behind Kelsie Dardis and Brianna Verble, gave the 4A portion an early jolt as it handed top-seeded Cheyenne Mountain its first defeat to a 4A team — 16-25, 25-19, 25-22, 19-25, 15-13.
Montrose (22-6) nearly made it two consecutive upsets as the Indians put No. 4 Mullen against the ropes by winning the first two games of their match. But the Mustangs (21-7), behind Allie Freiwald and Allison O’Callaghan, roared back to win the next three games 25-12, 25-18, 15-10.
“It was our passing,” Mustangs coach Vilis Ozols said. “Whenever we gave up runs, it was because of our passing. But whenever we were able to put the hammer on, it was because we passed so well.”
Lewis-Palmer stunned Roosevelt with an identical rally in Pool II, while No. 2 Berthoud (27-1) cruised. But both pools remain up in the air this morning.
Things were less chaotic for the big schools as top seeds Cherry Creek (28-0), Grandview (25-3), Highlands Ranch (26-2) and Rampart (24-4) were victorious in 5A. Cherry Creek and Highlands Ranch play this morning knowing both will advance out of Pool I at the expense of Columbine and Doherty.
“I’ve never had the luxury,” Highlands Ranch coach Lou Krauss said. “It’s going to be nice to play Cherry Creek with no pressure.”
The top two seeds in 2A rolled in their matches, the only hiccup going to No. 2 C.S. School (27-1), which needed four games to defeat No. 7 Rangely. Top-seeded Fowler (25-3) was in top form as the Grizzlies rode the attacking of sophomore outside hitter April Gonzales to handle Mancos (18-6) and Wray (17-10).
Fleming’s bid for a third straight 1A title game appearance and second state title saw no surprises as the No. 1 Wildcats (30-0) took care of Springfield and Liberty. All-state senior Lynnae Cox stood out, as did sophomore Jenna Vandenbark and freshman Morgan Wilkening.
Otis and McClave both cruised atop Pool II.
