MEEKER | Cowboy volleyball arrived at the state tournament as the only 2A undefeated team, with a record of 23-0—league champions and regional champions. The 2018 season “was an incredible journey,” said head coach Greg Cravens, “With all the expectations of the season, I think this team captured more than I could have imagined.”
With a bye in the first round and tournament play running hours late, the Cowboys first game began about 7 p.m. on Thursday against 7th ranked Del Norte, who fell to the Cowboys 2-3, doubling the team’s set losses on the year to four.
Friday was the Cowboys second match against number two Denver Christian. The Cowboys were handed their first loss of the year and the tournament.
Saturday arrived and Cowboy volleyball was on the court at 8 a.m. to take on Rye. Winning 3-2, the Cowboys earned “another berth in the semi-finals at the state tournament. What a great season.” Cravens said.
Senior leadership was key for the 2018 season. “We will miss these seniors for everything they have done for the volleyball program, everything they have done for me and all the great times we have had over the last two years. Michaela, Lila, Allison, Sydnie, Kassie and Krissie have worked so hard for many years for all the opportunities they achieve,” Cravens said, “They have taken this program to new heights. Everytime they walked into the gym there was a standard that we all had to meet and it was expected from everyone each time we were together.”
Entering the semifinals, the Cowboys faced the number one ranked team from Yuma.
“Even in the last match of their high school careers, they will be remembered for how well they played against Yuma but also what great people they are off the court,” Cravens said about the 2018 Cowboy Volleyball team. They fell to Yuma 3-1, in close scoring sets. “Shortly after the match. “I received an email from Bethany Brookens, assistant commissioner at CHSAA, complimenting the team on their great sportsmanship,” Cravens said, “The whole team is very good at volleyball but have a great understanding about their abilities and how grateful they are for the chance to show their skills off.”
Cravens continued: “I’m very happy to be part of the ride of an undefeated regular season but the memories off the court will last a lifetime. Bus trips, eating outings, summer camps and trying to catch birds, these young ladies made life exciting.”
Kassie and Krissie Luce have been named to the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports, CCGS, All State Volleyball match on Nov. 17. Awards will be posted as soon as they are released.
By TIFFANY JEHOREK | Special to the Herald Times
