Entering the season, Lewis Palmer was set to defend their 2016 state title. Following a dominant three set sweep over Ralston Valley, the Rangers look to be in midseason form. An offensive team effort propelled the Rangers to a 1-0 record to start the year. Senior, Elaine Thibadeau served up four aces in the match, while junior McKenna Sciacca dropped in 24 assists and three blocks. Lewis Palmer will look to notch another victory as they host Legend next week.
The Holy Family Tigers edged out Cheyenne Mountain for a #2 ranking to start the 2017 season. Their first match against Broomfield had the Tigers cruise to a 3-0 victory. Holy Family will take on Berthoud on Tuesday to open Tri-Valley league play in a match that will pit #2 against #7, and should be a game to keep an eye on for a league title preview. On Friday, Holy Family will take on tournament host Regis for the annual Regis Volleyball Jam Tournament. The Tigers represent the top 4A team representing the class in the tournament’s Varsity Red Division.
Cheyenne Mountain has yet to play a match in the 2017 season, but the #3 ranked team will look to come out ready to go as they take on Chaparral on Tuesday. The match won’t have any league play implications, but a 4A/5A matchup that has the #4 ranked 5A Chaparral team hosting #3 ranked 4A Cheyenne Mountain and promising to be a good one.
Like Cheyenne Mountain, the Cyclones of Pueblo West have also yet to play a match in the new season. However, that will change on Thursday, September 7, as the Cyclones will travel to Canyon City to take on the Tigers. Canon City will try to enter the game on a three game win streak, and will rely on senior Bailey Boccaccio to lead the way. Pueblo West will be led by seniors Emily Hanenberg, Brilane Manchego, MaLeigha Menegatti, and Olivia Sherman — all four ranked in the top-10 of statistical leaders returning this year.
Valor Christian defeated Regis in their 2017 opener, 3-1. Junior Ashley Larson was named player of the match behind her eight kills and four digs, helping the Eagles win their next three sets after dropping the first by two points. Valor Christian travels to Cherry Creek on Thursday, August 31 as they look to hand the Bruins their second straight loss to start the year.
The Niwot Cougars begin their 2017 season on Tuesday as they host Thompson Valley for a conference match.  Thompson Valley has lost their first two matches this season, and will attempt to win their first match against Palmer Ridge before taking on Niwot. Emma Falk and Mackenzie Fidelak who are both returning players who ranked in the top-10 will lead the Cougars offensively. On the other side of the net, Zoe Gonzales will once again be trouble for opponents as she will try to build on her 95 blocks from a season ago.
Berthoud defeated Greeley West 3-0 in their 2017 opener behind senior Julie Ward who notched 15 kills and four aces, and sophomore standout, Casady Berry who dished out 37 assists. The Spartans are the next 4A team to represent in the Varsity Red Division of the Regis Volleyball Jam Tournament and will square off against 5A’s Castle View in their opening pool play match.
Silver Creek enters the 2017 season ranked #8 in 4A and will open their season against Skyline on Friday. The top-returning player in kills and aces, senior Rylee Anderson, leads the Raptors. The match will begin the season for both Silver Creek and Skyline, before Silver Creek takes on Northridge and Niwot next week.
Thomas Jefferson is the next ranked team to represent 4A teams in the Varsity Red Division of the Regis Volleyball Jam Tournament on Friday and Saturday. The Spartans are 2-0 entering the tournament behind the hard work, on either side of the net, of Siale Sandoval and Gracey Jarecke. Thomas Jefferson has taken down Thunder Ridge and Brighton so far, and will look to make it three in a row against a slumping Fairview.
Eagle Valley began the season ranked #10 and has won one and lost one to start the year. The Devils were defeated in their opening match against Montrose, but bounced back on Tuesday as they swept Grand Junction Central. Eagle Valley will take on Berthoud during the start of pool play in the Regis Volleyball Jam Tournament.
