Five vying for repeat titles at Colorado state volleyball

While high school volleyball rosters are composed exclusively of millennial girls, the Colorado circuit has recently resembled a stubborn old man.

Slow to embrace change.

We say that because there have been a lot of repeat champions lately – in every classification, actually. That's right, the 2013 and 2014 championship list is a carbon copy, as classes 5A on down to 1A have produced a back-to-back champ.

We'll examine the chances of a threepeat and the challenges that stand in the way of each in the 2015 edition of the tournament (Friday-Saturday, Denver Coliseum). And if you think teams get complacent after two, just listen to Eaton coach Gwen Forster, whose Class 3A Reds might have the best chance of the bunch for the trifecta.

"They know every time you hoist a gold ball, it makes that next year that much more intense," she said. "The fact that we have an opportunity to threepeat is a driving force."

Class 5A
The Grandview (Aurora) streak might be the most in peril, as the Wolves are seeded No. 6 in a devastating field of contenders. The Wolves (17-6) and coach Patty Childress have had a solid season, and senior Madisen Busler is among the top hitters in the classification, but Grandview hardly enters as the favorite.

That designation goes to top-seeded Chatfield (Littleton) (23-2), led by Sierra Bartley and Addy Plant. The Chargers have won 11 straight after a two-game hiccup at midseason. Some thought the anointment of Cherokee Trail (Aurora) as preseason No. 1 was a little too ambitious, but the Cougars and Shannon Webb (21-4) have been stellar and check in as the No. 2 seed.

Chaparral (Parker), Legend (Parker) and Rock Canyon (Highlands Ranch) also are seeded above Grandview, a Continental League trio that is adding credence to the notion that some of the state's best volleyball is being played in the southern reaches of the metro area.

Of note, Chaparral (18-7) has had its stellar season under the leadership of Amanda West, who took over this year for retired legend T.R. Ellis. After 18 years and two state championships, Ellis retired after last season's state tournament.

Class 4A
Lewis-Palmer (Monument) was crowned national champs in MaxPreps' Xcellent 25 last season, and while the Rangers (22-3) are stout once again, they are the No. 2 in 4A. That's because Cheyenne Mountain (Colorado Springs) became the first in-state team in nearly two years to knock off the Rangers.

That happened on Oct. 22. The previous team to do so? Well, Cheyenne Mountain on Oct. 26 of 2013.

"We would certainly like to see Cheyenne Mountain again, because the only way that we would be able to do so is to make it to the championship match," Lewis-Palmer coach Susan Odenbaugh said. "However, to do so, we will have to take one match at time and not overlook any of our opponents, as the quality of volleyball in Colorado especially in 4A is quite competitive."

While squads such as Ponderosa (Parker) and Holy Family (Broomfield) cannot be overlooked, many are forecasting a final featuring Lewis-Palmer and top-seeded Cheyenne Mountain (23-1). Cheyenne Mountain won five straight before Lewis-Palmer's two-year run, meaning the title hasn't vacated the Colorado Springs/Monument area in quite some time.

Odenbaugh cites three reasons why the area has been so booming from a volleyball perspective: The presence of USA volleyball; the large number of quality programs in the area and the rich tradition of success.

"Teams work hard to maintain the tradition of their individuals schools," she said.

Class 3A
Could Eaton be this season's Lewis-Palmer? While it's doubtful the Reds will finish No. 1 in the nation, they have cracked the Xcellent 25 at No. 24 – a commendable feat for a 3A squad.

"The culture around Eaton volleyball is top notch," Forster said. "These girls understand relentless pursuit, teamwork and determination. They continue to light each other's candle."

Forster's group hasn't lost since Sept. 13 of last year, and that was to 5A powerhouse Grandview. With Caiden Rexius playing at peak efficiency, the Reds (24-0) will be the epitome of a tough out. If anyone is able to do it, it might be a squad from Eaton's own Patriot League.

The league accounts for the top three seeds, with University (Greeley) (21-4) checking in at No. 2 and Platte Valley (Kersey) (20-5) is seeded third. Valley (Gilcrest) (17-8) also is in the top half of the bracket at No. 6.

"The Patriot League has undoubtedly made huge impacts this year," Forster said. "We have six teams going into state. . . . Win or lose we continue to push each other, trade points, sets, and sometimes matches. The top three in state come from our conference. We support each other. We want to see another Patriot team win the title, regardless of who it is."

All eyes, though, will be on Eaton. The Reds have lost only four sets all season and have one of the top setters in the state in sophomore Chelsey Lockey. She averages a whopping 10.2 assists per set and has 774 overall.

Class 2A
Resurrection Christian (Loveland) was eyeing a third straight perfect season when the loss finally came. After 70 straight wins, the Cougars (24-1) fell to 4A Roosevelt (Johnstown), which ended one of the finest streaks in state history.

"Of course the girls were very disappointed to lose that night, but it did have its learning benefits," Cougars coach Caleb Howard said. "It was a great reminder that we needed to stay humble, work hard, and improve if we wanted to reach our goals. It's been great to see the girls respond to the loss in a healthy way."

The nonleague loss did nothing to take away from Resurrection Christian's pursuit of a third straight title, a goal that seems well within reach with the talented Abby Skipworth, Jessica Meyer and Saylor Webb running show.

Yuma, Lyons and Paonia have had stellar seasons, but make no mistake: The road to the championship goes through Resurrection Christian.

"2A is strong again this year," Howard said. "I think there will be some great pool matches. Yuma is a very good team this year, and we've played Lyons and Union Colony (Greeley) and know how good they are. I'm sure there are some other top teams in that bunch who we just haven't watched this year."

Class 1A
Fleming is in the same boat as Grandview in 5A, a two-time titlist that will have to claw its way through the upper reaches of the bracket to have an opportunity at a third. The Wildcats (21-6), who had a 49-match winning streak snapped early in the season, enter the bracket at No. 6.

The favorites that align the top of the bracket are Otis, Idalia and Kit Carson. Top-seeded Otis (23-1) and senior Antonya Schaffert have reeled off 19 straight wins entering the tournament.

One story to keep an eye on is Flagler and coach Pam Fagerlund. The state's wins leader (625), who has guided the Panthers to four championships, is retiring after the season. Flagler checks in at No. 4.