As expected, top seed CSCS cruises into volleyball regionals

Morgan Broekhuis had plenty of reasons to be confident heading into Saturday's Class 3A District 5 tournament at Colorado Springs Christian School. The Lions are defending state champions, they were playing at home and they haven't lost a match this season.

“I think we had an idea beforehand that if we just played our game, that we shouldn’t have problems,” she said.  “We prepared well and we knew that if we just played our volleyball, we’d be fine.”

CSCS did just that while not dropping a game in matches against Manitou Springs, Legend and Gunnison.

“That’s what we were expected to do,” coach Mike Broekhuis said.  “Sometimes it’s hard to focus in some of those games, but the girls did a great job of hanging in there.”

With the district title, the Lions advance to next weekend's regionals, where they will again play host.

“It’s always fun to play at home and keep winning,” Brianne Vande Griend said.  “Our crowd always comes and that helps us out.”

Manitou Springs also moved on to regionals by beating Legend and Gunnison.

“The good thing was the team saw how well they could play,” Mustangs coach Bridget O’Connor said.  “I think it’s one thing for a coach to believe something in a kid, but for them to see it themselves (is another).  I hope it breeds a lot of confidence.”

Confidence is not something that is lacking for CSCS.

“I think we’ll win regionals, honestly," Vande Griend said. "If we play our game, we definitely will."

Added Mike Broekhuis: “They’ve got one goal in mind right now. They’re getting in tournament mode and we’re really starting to roll.”