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3A volleyball: 6 championships and counting for CSCS
Comments 0 | Recommend 0DENVER • The Colorado Springs Christian School volleyball team doesn’t know how to lose.
The Lions (30-0) swept previously undefeated Valley 25-17, 25-13, 26-24 on Saturday night at the Denver Coliseum to earn their sixth straight Class 3A state title. CSCS didn’t drop a game during its five matches this weekend, and there is not a player on the roster who has experienced a state tournament loss.
Check out photos from the final day of the state tournament.
“It’s definitely pressure, but pressure is a privilege and you have to earn that,” said senior Morgan Broekhuis, who led the Lions with 18 kills. “We love our fans and it’s great to have everyone shouting, but you definitely know what we’re expected to do.”
Broekhuis didn’t disappoint, eliminating the Vikings with three consecutive kills when the Lions were down 23-24 in the third game.
“Those last points, we were just trying to finish it there and not go to the fourth,” senior setter Hannah Walker said. “We stuck with our game.”
CSCS’ strategy hinges on its size and power up front and is headlined by 6-foot-5 hitter Broekhuis and 6-foot middle Brianne Vande Griend, who finished with 14 kills. With three seniors heading to play at Division I schools next year, the Lions consistently have intimidated opponents at the net.
“Teams know that we have power and we’re going to hit it outside,” coach Mike Broekhuis said. “We knew Valley was going to dig a few, but we just stayed with what we do and didn’t get frustrated. We came out pretty hot.”
With so much offensive firepower, the team’s defense is not often forced into the spotlight. But it was the CSCS back line that carried the team in the title match.
Junior Lauren Santarelli finished with seven blocks, including a pivotal winner to bring the Lions even at 20-20 in the final game. Junior libero Ashley Peak had 12 digs.
“Our hitting is always good, but I really think it was the blocking and back row today,” coach Broekhuis said. “Lauren and Ashley kept us in there.”
Road to the state title
No match for Lions at district tournament
Lions on cruise control at regional
Lions move one day closer to title at state
Season highlights
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