CSCS heads to state looking for sixth volleyball title in row

Morgan Broekhuis had one aim every time she rose to meet the volleyball Saturday at a Class 3A regional at Colorado Springs Christian School.

The Lions senior intended to drive the ball into the ground as hard as possible.

Powerful attacks from Broekhuis were the end result of teamwork that culminated in a Region A title over runner-up Middle Park, Frederick and Monte Vista.

“Our defensive players did a really good job of getting the ball to the net,” she said. “Once you get it up there … I just slam it down.”

Numerous kills paved the way to another berth at state for CSCS.

“The girls were pretty fired up to play,” coach Mike Broekhuis said. “Our kills were way above our average.”

The Pikes Peak 3A-A Lions, who are 25-0 heading into next weekend’s tournament at Denver Coliseum, haven’t dropped a game in the postseason.

“We’re a team that runs on momentum,” senior Hannah Walker said. “Having no losses, it really just gives us a big confidence boost in that we can get the job done.”

Confidence is not a trait that is lacking for CSCS, which is no stranger to the pressures of a postseason.

“We’ve been at this for three or four years so we’re pretty used to it,” Mike Broekhuis said. “This year more than ever I don’t think they’re feeling the pressure now. They’re just ready to play volleyball.”

But the Lions head to state wearing a bull’s-eye — the result of having won the 3A title five straight times.

“Every team wants to see us go down,” Morgan Broekhuis said. “We just have to take that pressure and use it to fuel us and get us going.

“If we go in there with a clear mind and we pass the ball like we have been, I think we’ll do fine.”