As week three of the volleyball regular season concludes today, Colorado Preps has added a new feature to it’s top 10 daily list.  Today we start adding games of note outside the rankings as there are several contests across the state not involving a ranked team that will still impact conference races and post-season placement.

Photo provided by Jen Metz.

First in the top 10, a big day out west in Class 1A as #7 Sangre De Cristo entertains both Cotopaxi and Dove Creek.  There’s a good chance the three are the best small school clubs in that region so while the outcomes don’t affect league chases, they will play a role where teams end up in the regional bracket later this month.

Also in Class 1A, #5 Simla looks to finish off a strong week at Evangelical Christian.  The Cubs scored an important league win over Pikes Peak Christian early and then added a nice win over 2A unbeaten Byers last night.  Now they face another quality Black Forest league rival.

In Class 3A, the biggie is in the Patriot league between top ranked Eaton and third rated Sterling.  The Tigers are the defending state champions and were ranked number one to start the year but dropped to third due to last week’s loss to Resurrection Christian.  Eaton is 2-0 and coming off a nice four-set win over Platte Valley on Thursday.  They of course have tremendous volleyball history.

In Class 4A, #6 Niwot may have the most difficult challenge.  They’re 5-0 but face a fellow 5-0 squad in Frederick.  Both teams have thoughts of a top eight post-season seed and play at home in the regional tournament.

Outside the top 10, Montrose goes to Eagle Valley as the Indians and Devils battle for 4A supremacy on the West Slope.  The winner may also enter the top 10 on Monday.  Montrose was ranked seventh at one point but dropped out with a five-set road loss to Durango.  Eagle Valley has lost just two sets on their way to a perfect 7-0 mark.  Prospect Ridge and Bennett are both 4-1 as they collide.  Both could be bubble teams at years’ end so the winner gets a leg up in that race.

In Class 2A, Rye is 4-0 is making some volleyball noise after reaching the basketball final four.  They jump up a class to face 3A Vanguard.  Sanford and Del Norte collide with a possible Southern Peaks league title on the line.  Sanford is unbeaten and Del Norte 3-3 but the Tigers are coming off a strong sweep of #8 Dolores earlier this week.

On the 1A division, Wiley scored a four-set win over #10 Springfield on Friday and now the Panthers look to build on that momentum against another Ark Valley rival in Kim/Branson.  The Mustangs are a good club as well and enter the match at 2-1.  Elbert (4-0) seeks a quality win outside the Black Forest as they challenge 2A Calhan.  The Bulldogs are 4-1 on the season and can also gain some valuable RPI points with a victory.

The complete schedule of top games is below.  Colorado Preps will update scores as they become available.  Final scores can be sent by text to 970.380.7737.

 

CLASS 1A

FINAL:  #1 Fleming beat Lone Star 3-0

FINAL:  #5 Simla beat Evangelical Christian 3-0

FINAL:  #7 Sangre De Cristo beat Cotopaxi 3-1

FINAL:  Dove Creek beat #7 Sangre De Cristo 3-2

FINAL:  #10 Springfield beat Swink 3-2

 

CLASS 2A

FINAL:  #8 Dolores beat Ridgway 3-1

 

CLASS 3A

FINAL:  #1 Eaton beat #3 Sterling 3-2

FINAL:  #5 University beat Brush 3-0

#8 Alamosa at Pueblo County

#10 Bayfield vs Durango

 

CLASS 4A

#3 Coronado vs Palmer

FINAL:  #6 Niwot beat Frederick 3-1

#7 Mead at Greeley West

 

GAMES OF NOTE OUTSIDE RANKINGS

FINAL:  Pueblo West beat Air Academy 3-0

FINAL:  Eagle Valley beat Montrose 3-1

FINAL:  Prospect Ridge beat Bennett 2-0

FINAL:  Delta beat Coal Ridge 3-0

FINAL:  Vanguard beat Rye 3-2

FINAL:  Soroco beat West Grand 3-1

FINAL:  Del Norte beat Sanford 3-1

FINAL:  Calhan beat Elbert 3-2

FINAL:  Wiley beat Kim/Branson 3-0

FINAL:  Cotopaxi beat Dove Creek 3-1