3A REGION 10
At CSCS: Starting four freshmen as injuries in the past two weeks have decimated the lineup, CSCS continued its run of state appearances by gutting its way through its regional.
The Lions opened with a 25-10, 27-25, 25-15 victory over Fort Lupton, then outlased Colorado Academy 25-20, 23-25, 25-13, 23-25, 15-10 to advance to state.
“It’s all heart,” coach Jennifer Evans said.
One of the injured players is Evans’ daughter, senior all-state setter Morgan Evans. In her place, Evans’ other daughter, freshman Maya, stepped in and posted 64 assists and 19 kills in the deciding match against Colorado Academy.
“She’s amazing,” Jennifer Evans said. “She just stepped up. She wouldn’t let it die. She saved one ball where she had to go up in the bleachers.”
Senior Taylor Stephens, who has escaped the rash of injuries, had 21 kills against Colorado Academy.
3A REGION 12
At Manitou Springs: Host Manitou Springs didn’t drop a set as it powered into the state tournament.
“Our girls played so good, it was great,” first-year Mustangs coach Carol Benedict said.
The No. 12 Mustangs opened with a 25-13, 25-9, 25-17 victory over No. 25 Pagosa Springs, then clinched the title by beating No. 13 Bishop Machebeuf 25-19, 25-10, 25-21.
Manitou Springs was the final team to earn the right to host a regional, and it paid huge dividends as Benedict described the home crowd as producing an energy similar to what it did in a league match against rival TCA.
“It was amazing,” Benedict said. “Our fans are just the best. Us having home-court advantage almost isn’t fair.”
Katie McKiel had 21 kills in the two games for the Mustangs and Nicole Mack added 15.
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