Fossil Ridge SaberCats Poised for Volleyball Redemption Against Valor
The Colorado high school volleyball championship is set for a thrilling showdown, and all eyes are on the Fossil Ridge SaberCats. Thay have a chance to avenge a heartbreaking loss and claim the state title, a goal fueled by a team brimming with talent and a burning desire for redemption.
A History of Close Contests
Last year’s championship match against Valor ended in defeat for Fossil Ridge, a loss that continues to motivate this year’s squad. But the ’Cats aren’t dwelling on the past – they’re using it as fuel. This season, they’ve demonstrated their dominance, entering the tournament with an remarkable 23-2 record and the No. 1 seed.
Notably, Fossil Ridge broke Valor’s remarkable 72-match winning streak on October 14th with a decisive four-set victory. However, as senior Emery Johnson, a Wyoming commit, emphasizes, “We still look back on that loss…it still hurts. So this is a huge chance for us.”
dominant Play Throughout the Season
The SaberCats have been nearly untouchable this fall, dropping onyl eight sets all season. Their performance in the second round of the tournament – a swift sweep of Pine Creek (25-9, 25-9, 25-18) – further showcased their strength.
But the path to the championship won’t be easy. They’ll likely face a formidable challenge in the second-seeded Valor Eagles (22-2) in the finals.
Valor’s Championship Pedigree
Valor is aiming for a historic fourth consecutive state championship, a feat only achieved once before in Colorado’s largest classification by evergreen from 1978-1985. They are a well-coached,resilient team,and Fossil ridge understands the magnitude of the task ahead.
“Valor is a very well-coached team. They’re very gritty and they know they’re legit,” says first-year Fossil Ridge coach Kayla Afoa.
Northern Colorado’s Rising Volleyball Scene
Beyond the championship implications, this match carries added importance for the SaberCats. Many of the players have grown up competing together through the NORCO Volleyball Club in Loveland.
They’re driven to showcase the talent emerging from northern Colorado. “We want to show that northern Colorado volleyball is just as elite as Denver,” declares 6-foot-5 senior middle blocker Olivia Ewing, who is committed to Colorado State.
Experienced Players Driven by Past Defeat
Five players on this year’s Fossil Ridge team experienced the sting of defeat against Valor in 2023:
* Trinity Burchett (Libero, Colorado Mesa commit)
* Alyssa Cottingham (Outside Hitter)
* Ella Wilson (Middle Blocker, Idaho State commit)
* Emery Johnson (Wyoming commit)
* Olivia Ewing (Middle Blocker, Colorado State commit)
For these players, a championship victory would be the culmination of years of dedication and a powerful statement of resilience. Ewing succinctly puts it: “It would just mean everything to win it this year.”
the Road to Victory: A Strategic Approach
While the previous victory over Valor was a significant milestone, Afoa stresses the importance of treating every game with the same intensity. “Absolutely, that win was a big deal, but we look at every single game as a big game that brings us a step closer to our end game.”
So, how can the SaberCats dethrone Valor? Afoa outlines the key strategies:
* Dominating Serve and Pass: Disrupting Valor’s offense by winning the serving and passing game.
* High Volleyball IQ: Utilizing their maturity and understanding of the game to make smart plays.
Afoa is confident in her team’s ability to execute, noting, “I like how we are playing. We are a very mature team, and we play at a high I.Q.”
The championship match promises to be a captivating contest,a testament to the dedication,skill,and unwavering spirit of both the Fossil Ridge SaberCats and the Valor Eagles.
