CSCS reloads not rebuilds

DENVER - There is bad news for Class 3A volleyball teams, and it was delivered by Colorado Springs Christian School on Saturday at the Denver Coliseum.

CSCS is the state champion, and the Lions accomplished that feat in what seemed to be a rebuilding year.

That’s four straight state titles for CSCS, whose fans chanted, “Dynasty!” after the Lions beat area rival The Classical Academy 3-1.

“I really didn’t think we’d make it this far,” Morgan Broekhuis said. “It’s more rewarding than last year when we were sort of along for the ride with those five seniors.”

The championship run could continue as Broekhuis leads a group of young players who will return minus just two seniors: Bethany Beck and MaryBeth Allen.

“I love the leadership position I had as a senior,” said Beck, who noted that CSCS finished third in the district tournament and second at regional. “I love that pressure.”

It was Allen who served the final three points as CSCS closed out the 22-25, 25-21, 25-11, 25-23 win. It was the rubber match between the teams, a fifth match to snap a 2-2 tie.

“Morgan was definitely ‘on,’” said TCA coach Lori Alejo, who led the Titans to their first championship match. “She’s probably the best hitter in the state, and I mean anybody. We couldn’t stop her at the net.”

Broekhuis is a rare combination of setter and spiker, with superb timing and athleticism for a 6-foot-4 sophomore.

“She’s the best overall prospect in this gym,” said Cheyenne Mountain coach David Barkley.

Also playing key roles for CSCS were sophomores Brianne Vande Griend, Hannah Walker and Heather Poll, plus freshmen Ashley Peak and Katie McGuire.

TCA may contend for the championship next season as only three seniors depart: Lydia Blaha, Kerri Zynen and Brooke Sutton. Junior outside hitter Kerri Taylor and sophomore setter Lauren Alejo lead a talented group that includes juniors Hannah Crider, Lindsay Thayer and Wendy Lade.

“It was an amazing year for us,” said Blaha. “It’s been an honor to play with these girls.”

No. 6 seed CSCS was 3-0 in pool play, including a Friday win against No. 3 TCA, with the Lions prevailing in five games. CSCS beat No. 8 Roosevelt in the semifinals 25-20, 17-25, 25-23, 25-23.

TCA, 2-1 in pool play, topped No. 4 Holy Family in the semifinals 25-20, 25-11, 26-24. Manitou Springs, the No. 1 seed in 3A, rebounded from Friday's two losses to beat Holy Family 28-26, 25-20, 28-26.

“That shows everything about their character,” Mustangs coach Bridget O’Connor said. “Their performance today was all about each other.”