After two strong wins against Olathe 25-20, 25-13, 25-23, and West Grand 25-18, 25-19, 25-15, the Cowboys sealed the league volleyball championship.
“We had a great weekend,” began head coach Greg Cravens. “We are league champions of a very good Western Slope league. The league looks to get 10 teams into regionals.”
Friday against Olathe the Cowboys had to work offensively to overcome the very good defense.
“We had a hard time finding holes in their defense,” commented Cravens.
The Cowboys worked the long rallies with both teams not letting the ball hit the floor. The first rally against Olathe the ball went across the net more than 10 times before the Cowboys were able to get the point.
“Emma Luce and Ainsley Selle drove the offense,” said Cravens, “and Taylor and Grace Roberts were incredible on the defensive side all weekend.”
Saturday was senior night for Luce, Roberts, Ariel Gallegos, Nora Gianinetti, Mackenzie Keetch, and Hailey Larson.
“We were able to get all six seniors on the court to start the match against West Grand,” commented Cravens. “Kenzie Keetch has worked hard and has been an incredible teammate for our program for four years and I was so proud of her when she served that first ball.”
There is one week left in the regular season and the Cowboys head to Buena Vista for one final tournament before regionals.
“Next week provides a great opportunity to play some good 2A and 3A schools in Buena Vista,” said Cravens. On Saturday, the Cowboys will play Gunnison at 10 a.m., Middle Park at 12 p.m., Centauri at 2 p.m. and Buena Vista at 3 p.m.
Ranked number three in the state, the Cowboys should host regionals the weekend over Nov. 4 and 5. Teams will be announced after next weekend’s matches, usually Monday by noon.
Left are combined stats from Olathe and West Grand.
By TIFFANY JEHOREK – Special to the Herald Times
