H.S. Volleyball: Indians hope state experience pays off

Ask Cheyenne Mountain coach David Barkley what it will take to get his team back in the Class 4A volleyball state title match, and he gives a precursory listing of needed fundamentals. The ability to pass and serve top the list.

But the fifth-year coach said the secret to his team's success can be attributed to something more cerebral.

"We want our players to develop a good volleyball IQ," Barkley said. "Knowing and being able to read the other team makes it easier to defend them. We're always defensively sound, but beyond that, you have to be able to get into your offense and have it be effective."

While the Indians return almost half the team that came close to a state title in 2007, the Metro should be tighter from top to bottom.

"You never know if you're rebuilding or reloading until you put your team on the court," Barkley said. "Our competition has improved."

Cheyenne Mountain's chief competition is likely to come from Lewis-Palmer, which moves down from 5A to 4A this year. The Rangers went 26-3 and defeated Cheyenne Mountain in a five-set thriller last year, but graduated seven seniors.

Mitchell also will play in 4A this year. Coach Stacy Rochak's Woodland Park team is expected to challenge while new Falcon coach Brian Hall has seven seniors, including two transfers - Carla Arroyo of Puerto Rico and Riley Lusk from Nebraska - who could make a big impact.

Widefield hopes to rebound from an atypical 5-13 year thanks to a strong junior class.

"We have some experience and look to improve," coach Brenda Lough said. "We have a good class of juniors stepping up."

In 5A, parity seems to again be a key word. Coronado, Doherty, Pine Creek, Rampart and Sand Creek could all find themselves in the upper half of the league at year's end.

Second-year Rampart coach Keith Barnett has nine seniors back, including Nikki Kinzer, losing only one letterman from a team that competed well a year ago.

"It could be a good year," he said. "We're aiming high. Hopefully, it all comes together. We could be in line for a good season."

Doherty coach Julie Ortiz has eight players returning, including Katie Schimpf and setter Vanessa Gemignani, and a tall front line.

"We have a lot of seniors and two newcomers who will impact the team greatly. We have a ton of experience at the setting position, and our strong hitters will all bring in big numbers," Ortiz said. "

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VOLLEYBALL TEAM CAPSULES

Class 5A

Air Academy: New coach Toni Blair has five returning seniors who have played together the past four years: libero Katie Moran, setter Brittany Schwartz, outside hitter Kailey Tuthill, middle hitter Alley Martinez, and right hitter Molly Snowdon. Junior hitters Alexa Trujillo, Lauren Bush, Liz Jewell, and setter Claire Hills add depth.

Coronado: Second-year coach Erica Skolasinski has five starters returning from a team that made the postseason last year. Key returnees include middle hitter Melissa Lovato, defensive specialist Jordan Sveen, libero Anna Palmer, and hitters Amanda DeWitt, Kelly Strauch, and Merideth Green, all seniors. Junior setter Erin Stock also returns.

Doherty: The Spartans are hoping to make some noise behind three returning starters out of eight returning varsity players. Senior setter Vanessa Gemignani averaged eight assists and 2.7 digs per game. Senior outside hitter Katie Schimpf had almost 200 kills in 2007, and senior Molly Frick averages more than three digs a game.

Fountain-Fort Carson: The Trojans make the transition from 4A to 5A with a talented corps of returnees including senior hitters Haley Shackelford and Kristin Laman. Sophomore setter Abby Mrazek joins newcomers Shervon Johnson and Kelcey Christians, both hitters.

Liberty: Seniors Jiyoung Kim and Tori Nixon are joined by freshmen starters Kristen Lee and Tammy King, a setter.

Palmer: An inexperienced but competitive team will be led by co-captain Meghan Chapman, a senior outside hitter, and senior co-captain Tara Gibbs. Junior hitter Nicole Schmitt adds power up front.

Pine Creek: The Eagles have four seniors back, including hitters Kelsi Klikus, Sydney Nelson and Carly Serratore, and defensive specialist Shannon Rousseau. Juniors Allie Hoskins, Rachel Kosbab and Lauren Dickinson and sophomores Katherine Feldman, Rory McCloy, Nikki Glass and Lindsay Weaver add depth.

Rampart: The league favorites have Colorado signee Nikki Kinzer at their disposal among six returning seniors, including Lauren Yoder and Alex Tanner.

Sand Creek: New coach David Miller will rely on four seniors: setter Britany Dole, and hitters Natalie Reed, Hannah Hill and Amber Hardekoph.

Class 4A

Cañon City: New coach Becky Anderson will look to senior hitter Azirar Leonard and juniors Sonora Hill and Alana Vangorder to lead the team. Sophomore setter Libby Ary started as a freshman.

Cheyenne Mountain: The defending state runners-up return seven including hitter Laura Brodie, a four-year starter; Holly Hutchison, a three-year starter; setter Ellyn Barkley, a second-year starter; Brittany Kicker, a defensive specialist; junior hitter Kendall Gaffney, who started as a sophomore; and junior Natasha Ray, a right side hitter.

Harrison: An inexperienced squad will be led by senior middle blocker Cassie Moore and senior libero Lacey Tafft.

Lewis-Palmer: The Rangers graduated seven seniors from a team that made it to the 5A state tournament in 2007. Only two starters return: junior middle blocker Christi Limpert and senior Shelbi Pitcher.

Mesa Ridge: Seniors Marlo Nickell and Megan Grant return along with juniors Brandi Collins and Leanndra Gilbert and sophomore Mandi Velasquez.

Mitchell: Two lettermen return: Carley Grove, a middle blocker, and Seann Quickstad, an outside hitter. Junior Gelisa Thornton adds experience in the middle.

Palmer Ridge: The freshman- and sophomores-only program debuts in the Pioneer League.

Sierra: New coach Megan Case takes over for athletic director Angela Prochnow.

Vista Ridge: Sophomore outside hitter Breanna Garcia is joined by freshman hitter Aspen Sanders and sophomore setter Jessica Villars in the Wolves' debut season in the Pioneer League.

Wasson: New coach Brian Petzold has three returning seniors at his disposal: outside hitter Gloria Angel, setter Nichole Gonzales and hitter Daisy Means. Junior Kelsey Eddy is expected to contribute.

Widefield: Brenda Lough enters her 25th year of coaching hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2007 with a strong junior class. Senior setter Angela Lovato, the team captain, averaged five assists per game a year ago. Junior Erika Trobiano, who split duties at setter and outside hitter last year, is expected to be the primary setter this year.

Woodland Park: The Panthers should be competitive with senior outside hitter Tasha Bruins (196 kills, 138 digs), senior right side hitter Ariel Austin (82 kills, 63 blocks) and junior middle hitter Kira Roberts (49 kills, 56 blocks) returning.