The Colorado high school volleyball season concluded Saturday at the Denver Coliseum with Chaparral, Lewis-Palmer, Sterling, Denver Christian and Fleming going home with titles.
Class 5A: Chaparral 3, Valor Christian 1
In a rematch of last year’s 5A title game, Chaparral (27-2, Continental League champions) spoiled the Eagles’ hopes of repeating as champions, defeating Valor (25-4, Jeffco League champions) in four sets (23-25, 26-24, 25-11, 25-23) to earn the third title in school history and its first under coach Amanda West.
The Wolverines had previously earned a straight-sets victory over Valor in the quarterfinals of the winners’ bracket, but Valor fought through the elimination bracket, defeating Rampart and Fort Collins to qualify for the championship.
“This is the third time we’ve played Valor in two weeks, so we knew they would play us tough,” West said. “They were well scouted, and we were hoping to use our versatility and our athleticism.”
After Valor won the first set in comeback fashion, Chaparral settled down to win the remaining three sets.
“Our mental toughness is what got us through,” West said. “We just talked about doing our jobs well. If we mastered our jobs, we felt that we could do it.”
The victory marked the first state championship for Chaparral since 2011.
Class 4A: Lewis Palmer 3, Palmer Ridge 2
A battle of crosstown rivals went the distance, with third-ranked Lewis-Palmer (21-8, Pikes Peak League champion) defeating No. 9 Palmer Ridge (21-9) in five sets (20-25, 25-21, 25-18, 21-25, 15-9) to close out the night. In doing so, the Rangers earned the program’s ninth title and fourth in succesion.
“When the schools are two miles away from each other, there are no surprises,” said Lewis-Palmer head coach Wade Baxter. “They always get up for us, and they fought hard and made us work for every point.”
Palmer Ridge entered the 4A title game riding a string of upsets, defeating Discovery Canyon, Pueblo County and Coronado to make the final. Their momentum continued against the Rangers, taking two sets from the defending champions.
“This was the toughest one by far,” Baxter said. “The D-I athletes that we had last year made it easy, but we had it tough all year.”
Class 3A: Sterling 3, Lutheran 1
In an upset, the Sterling Tigers (28-0, Patriot League champions) defeated defending 3A champion Lutheran (28-1, Metro League champion) in four sets (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-23) to finish their season undefeated.
“Lutheran are a powerhouse. They are very good,” said Sterling coach Lisa Schumacher. “Every opponent we’ve had this weekend, you have to respect. Lutheran were just wonderful. Itap always fun when you can beat a great team.”
After dropping the opening set, the Tigers closed it out to win three straight sets for the championship.
“The entire season, we told ourselves to not focus on the outcome, but to focus on the process,” Schumacher said. “Even when we were down, we kept telling ourselves: ‘One more point.’ It was just step by step.”
With only two seniors in libero Jade Feather and outside hitter Paige Pratt, Sterling will have a solid chance to defend its title next season.
Other scores:
Class 2A: Denver Christian 3, Limon 1
Class 1A: Fleming 3, Briggsdale 0
